Business reporters and bias: Where do we draw the line?

There was much online discussion this weekend about new Social Media guidelines released (well not yet publicly) by The Washington Post.

You can see the new guidelines here at PaidContent.org. The guidelines sparked a debate over bias, opinions and journalists and objectivity.

One thought being bandied about is that transparency is the new objectivity.

Business journalists should watch this debate. We have a particularly keen need to remain objective.

Earlier this month, news came out that watchdog reporter John Stossel was leaving ABC News for Fox Business.

Thoughts from his blog last week seemed particularly relevant in today's discussion. The former co-anchor on ABC’s 20/20 said that when he announced his move to FOX, "some readers complained about my 'bias'." He answers those claims here in a post he calls: The Truth About Media Bias


Stossel will be launching a new program called 'Stossel' which will focus on topics including free-market economies, civil liberties, the business of healthcare, social security, free trade.

What do you think? Are business journalists particularly susceptible to accusations of bias? Comment here or send us a note on Twitter via @BizJournalism

More posts from reporters today:
Stephen Baker, BusinessWeek: How I run afoul of the Wash Post's social media rules--and why
Rob Pegoraro, New York Times: Why Reporters Should Twitter (A Little Shop Talk) http://bit.ly/162ai2

Washington Post looking for an Outlook editor

Folks at the The Washington Post have asked us to spread the word about their search for a Deputy Editor, Outlook

From their note:

The Washington Post's Outlook section is in the market for a new deputy editor.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about ideas and debates on politics, foreign policy, science, business, race and culture; eager to dial up the world's top thinkers, writers and artists and mold their work into snappy essays, narratives and graphics; and obsessed with driving the Washington conversation -- in print and online -- in new and unexpected directions. Experience in a range of media, whether Web or radio or magazine or television, is a big plus. Top-notch editing skills and a collegial, team-first attitude are a must.

Outlook occupies a unique perch in Post journalism.

We meld reporting, commentary and narrative, and work with contributors inside and outside the newsroom.

The deputy editor is a full partner in leading, conceptualizing and editing Outlook on a weekly basis. We are casting a wide net for this position. Candidates should be ready to offer a critique of Outlook as well fully-formed ideas for pieces and features and writers that could appear in Outlook in the weeks and months ahead. (Tip over some sacred cows and you'll get our attention fast.)

Anyone interested should contact Carlos Lozada (202-334-6358) or Peter Perl (202-334-6188) by October 1.

Join The Washington Post and become a mobile products editor

The Washington Post is in search of a full-time mobile products editor at its bureau in Washington D.C..
The editor will work with the mobile business team and other news staff to create innovative ways to offer Washington Post content (including breaking news) through its new mobile platform on Blackberries, iPhones and other smart phones and devices. Collaborating with the business department, the editor will come up with ways to generate revenue through the Post's new mobile platform. The editor will also have a major role in other digital content including the paper's e-newsletter and will be responsible for creating applications for new technology.
Applicants should have extensive knowledge of Web 2.0 and multimedia. This job is only available for U.S. residents and relocation assistance is available.

Contact Peter Perl, at perlp@washpost.com for more information about the position.

View the job posting here.

IMAGE CREDIT: washingtonpost.com