Job description Quote by Eric Alterman
““Journalists usually treat anything as true if someone in a position of ostensible authority is willing to say it, even anonymously (and if no one is going to sue over it). The accuracy of anyone’s statement, particularly if that person is a public official, is often deemed irrelevant. If no evidence is available for an argument a journalist wishes to include in a story, then up pop weasel words such as “it seems” or “some claim” to enable inclusion of the argument, no matter how shaky its foundation in reality. What’s more, too many journalists believe that their job description does not require them to adjudicate between competing claims of truth. Sure, there are “two sides”—and only two sides—to every story, according to the rules of objectivity. But if both sides wish to deploy lies and other forms of deliberate deception for their own purposes, well, that’s somebody else’s problem.””
About This Quote
Source Opinion piece on journalistic standards, 2020s media critique
Journalists often accept authority without verification, using vague language to present unsubstantiated claims as news.
In simple terms: Media can repeat unverified statements.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence, avoid “both sides” bias.
Themes
media
journalism
truth
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
journalistic
skeptical
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- press releases
- social media posts
- political commentary
Key Concepts
information verification
bias
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can journalists balance speed and accuracy?
- What role should audiences play in demanding evidence?
A Different Perspective
Time pressures and resource limits hinder thorough fact‑checking.
