Business Quote by Michael Schudson
““Objectivity is a peculiar demand to make of institutions which, as business corporations, are dedicated first of all to economic survival. It is a peculiar demand to make of institutions which often, by tradition or explicit credo, are political organs. It is a peculiar demand to make of editors and reporters who have none of the professional apparatus which, for doctors or lawyers or scientists, is supposed to guarantee objectivity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Press and the People, Michael Schudson, 1992
Institutions built for profit and politics cannot easily meet strict standards of impartiality because their core goals conflict with objective reporting.
In simple terms: Profit‑driven bodies struggle with true neutrality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate bias in institutional reporting.
Themes
media ethics
institutional bias
objectivity
politics
economics
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
explanatory
critical
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- corporate communications
- political parties
- regulatory bodies
Key Concepts
journalism
conflict of interest
credibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions balance survival with impartiality?
- What safeguards can protect objectivity?
A Different Perspective
Objectivity may be compromised by financial pressures and editorial constraints.
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