Books Quote by Janet Malcolm
“You could say that any book that takes a position is not fair, unless you keep saying, 'On the one hand, on the other...' and take a great deal of trouble to present both sides. That kind of journalism tends not to be very interesting.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Journalist and the Murderer, 1977
Journalism that tries to be perfectly balanced often becomes bland and unengaging.
In simple terms: Trying to show both sides equally can make stories dull.
Key Takeaway
Embrace a clear perspective.
Themes
journalism
balance
engagement
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- editorial writing
- media criticism
Key Concepts
media ethics
storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a journalist stay fair without losing interest?
- When is bias acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on neutrality can obscure truth.
