If we are perceived as writing more about the arguments of those who demand more money for education, but not looking as deeply at efficient spending, we are seen as biased. If we write as if it is government s responsibility to fix problems, we are seen as biased. If we report on extremes when our readers live mostly in the middle, we are seen as biased. We should examine our practices, consider how readers view us and open substantive conversations in our newsrooms about the demands of excellence. We practice our craft in a period of rising expectations.
People expect more in all things.
And they expect more of newspapers than of other media. Thus we have an unexploited opportunity to differentiate ourselves in substance and quality. Quality journalism requires significant investment. The lack of adequate resources to guide staffs and to pay them sufficiently to keep the brightest young people directly affects our credibility. Other businesses know that in a competitive environment, teaching more advanced skills is the key to survival.