Ethics and Reviews Opinion Writing

Conflict of interest Readers value unbiased journalistic reporting. They also want the opinion writer’s real opinion, not one biased by outside interests.

Choosing what to review When newspapers are considering possible story topics, they should think with their readers in mind — what information is most useful to them? When businesses offer free samples, or friends pressure writers to review their work, the publication may give a biased review — or readers may perceive it that way.

Honest opinions Often it is easy to publish honest reviews noting the flaws in work by famous professionals. It can be harder to point out a friend’s singing is off key or even a local restaurant has poor service, because you are writing about real people you know.

Advertisers Journalism values the separation of the advertising decisions from the rest of the newspaper. Just because a business advertises with the publication doesn’t mean the newspaper should avoid newsworthy coverage that may put the business in a bad light or give that business more positive attention.

Conflict of interest Student newspapers need to do everything possible to avoid conflicts of interest with advertisers. Editors should not allow a student who sold an ad to a business write a review of them. Advertisers should not affect coverage. Sometimes balancing the news and the business sides of newspaper can be tough. What is best for the audience?

Other options Because an A&E section includes both opinion and feature writing, it may easier (and more fair) to write an unbiased feature focusing on the experience of being in a school production or what it’s like behind the scenes at a local business. The writer can give the facts and let the readers form their own opinions.