A Dilemma

A friend and fellow journalist posed a question recently. He’s a very successful political analyst, reporter and commentator. His son plans to run for a political seat and my friend was wondering how his audience would perceive it and how he would handle it professionally.

As a Father he is delighted for his son and hopes he wins. As a professional journalist he’s sure he can sustain his neutrality, but perceptions are perceptions.

He solicited some counsel and comments from his friends and colleagues.

I responded.

No mater what you do (on the air) there will always be those who will accuse you of bias. It has nothing to do with your son’s political choice or your ability to be neutral. It has to do with people’s nature. Most viewers, even the ones who like you, half-listen, misinterpret and misconstrue quickly.

As long as you are within the limits of company guidelines and you recuse yourself from commenting on your son’s race, I don’t think you have an issue.

Your reputation is pristine. Your viewers respect you. Most of them will understand your situation. You are human first, a Father second, a journalist third.

In many ways your dilemma is like reporters who find themselves participants in a story rather than witnesses of it.

If in covering a story you find yourself in a situation where you can save a life or rescue someone, do you just observe or do you act for humanity?

The sacred rule is to follow your conscience. The love of and for your son does not conflict with your professional standards. Being human and a loving Father make you a better journalist.