I believe there are three absolute and inescapable principles necessary to enable publicly-minded journalism to flourish.
Tell the truth
A simple, direct tenet that is too often adulterated by political, ideological and financial considerations.
To that end, the media’s over-reliance on institutional sources and unwillingness to consider credible, alternative viewpoints (or worse, to give credence to thoroughly discredited ones) has created a void in the public’s sense of trust that is easily exploitable by partisans to demagogue with impunity.
Western Citizen claims no special power or moral authority — merely a conscientious pledge to probe the facts, consider alternative theories, vigorously demand proof and relentlessly question authority.
Promote action, context and relevancy
The effectiveness of truth-telling is predicated on the willingness to set aside biases and be open to new and often countervailing realities. Providing relevant, contextual information to promote thoughtful, deliberative dialogue to solve community problems should be the chief aim of any news organization.
Yet, binary arguments presented as “he said-she said” journalism — the antithesis of civic engagement — has become the standard for the hollow, unattainable premise of objectivity and drive toward infotainment masquerading as news.
True civic engagement is, more importantly, a reciprocal process where the public fully participates in the news gathering, critical analysis and reasoned decision-making steps that lead to deliberate action. We want to partner with you — through the interactive story suggestion pop-out tab, crowdsourcing of investigative reporting data and by giving readers direct access to experts and newsmakers to question and civilly debate — in order to make the news more relevant to your life.
Demand absolute transparency
A particularly disturbing trend in the Pew study reveals three-quarters of Americans believe the media is no longer independent and is heavily influenced by powerful political and corporate forces. That sense of cronyism leads to further doubts about the traditional role of journalists as uncorrupted public watchdogs and champions of the greater good.
To that end, Western Citizen will strive to hold community leaders, both elected and self-appointed, and the media to account for its actions, or lack thereof, and to fully disclose conflicts of interest.
Transparency in journalism, however, is more than an ethos of disclosure and correction. It also embodies a willingness to explain editorial decisions, link to source material and acknowledge uncertainties.
My aim here is to tell the necessary truths. Without varnish. Without hesitation. With evidence. And with responsibility.
My hope is that you, as a reader and contributor, will too.
“Whiskey and Water” is a periodic column providing lively commentary and analysis on news media in the Rocky Mountain West. It will also serve as an open notebook on the bootstrapping, behind-the-scenes experiences of Western Citizen. Our motto: It’s always Happy Hour somewhere.
