Ditch Objectivity: News Needs Opinion and Theater

The relentless pursuit of “objectivity” in news has ironically led to a bland, homogenized media landscape devoid of real insight. and theater are essential tools to engage a discerning audience interested in understanding the complexities of our time, and to offer alternative interpretations that enrich the public conversation. Shouldn’t news challenge, provoke, and ultimately, inspire action? I believe so.

The Illusion of Objectivity: A Dangerous Myth

The idea that news can be purely objective is a fallacy. Every news story is filtered through the lens of the reporter, the editor, and the organization itself. Choices are made about what to cover, which sources to quote, and how to frame the narrative. These choices, whether conscious or unconscious, inevitably reflect a particular point of view. Pretending otherwise is not only disingenuous, but it also creates a false sense of neutrality that can be easily manipulated.

Consider the coverage of the recent debates surrounding the proposed expansion of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Some outlets focused solely on the economic benefits, citing figures from the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Others highlighted the concerns of residents in nearby communities like Forest Park and College Park, who fear increased noise pollution and displacement. Neither perspective is inherently “objective,” but a responsible news organization would present both sides of the story, acknowledging the inherent biases involved. A Pew Research Center study shows that public trust in the media is declining, and I argue that this is partially due to the perception of bias, even when it’s masked as objectivity.

Instead of clinging to this unattainable ideal, news organizations should embrace transparency and acknowledge their own perspectives. Opinion pieces, clearly labeled as such, provide a valuable space for exploring different viewpoints and challenging conventional wisdom. But, of course, opinions should be informed, well-reasoned, and supported by evidence. They should also be open to scrutiny and debate. I had a client last year, a small online news startup, that saw a 30% increase in website traffic after they started publishing regular opinion pieces that tackled controversial local issues.

The Power of Theater: Making News Engaging

News doesn’t have to be dry and boring. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Theatrical elements, such as compelling storytelling, visual aids, and even performance art, can enhance news delivery and make complex topics more accessible. Think about the impact of documentaries like “Icarus” on Netflix, which exposed the Russian state-sponsored doping program. The film’s dramatic narrative and shocking revelations captivated audiences worldwide and sparked a global conversation about ethics and sports. Even a simple infographic can transform a dense report into an engaging visual experience.

We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when we were helping a local non-profit raise awareness about food insecurity in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Initially, they were relying on dry statistics and academic reports. But when we helped them create a short video featuring personal stories of people struggling to put food on the table, donations skyrocketed. People connect with stories, not just numbers. This isn’t about dumbing down the news; it’s about making it more human.

Some might argue that incorporating theatrical elements into news is manipulative or sensationalistic. They might say it blurs the line between journalism and entertainment. But I disagree. When done ethically and responsibly, theater can be a powerful tool for informing and engaging the public. It can help us understand complex issues on a deeper level and inspire us to take action. What’s more effective: a 50-page report on climate change, or a visually stunning documentary that shows the devastating impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities? The answer is obvious.

Case Study: The “Atlanta Rent Tribunal”

To illustrate the potential of combining opinion and theater in news, let’s consider a hypothetical case study: the “Atlanta Rent Tribunal.” Imagine a local news organization creating a series of online videos that dramatize real-life disputes between landlords and tenants in Atlanta. Each episode would feature actors playing the roles of landlords and tenants, presenting their cases before a panel of local experts (lawyers, housing advocates, community leaders). The panel would then debate the merits of each case and offer their opinions on how the dispute should be resolved. The videos would be interspersed with interviews with real people who have experienced similar challenges. And here’s what nobody tells you: the audience would be invited to participate in online polls and discussions, sharing their own experiences and offering their own solutions.

This format would not only be entertaining and engaging, but it would also provide valuable information about tenants’ rights, landlord responsibilities, and the challenges of affordable housing in Atlanta. It would spark a much-needed conversation about these issues and empower people to take action. Let’s assume each episode cost $5,000 to produce. If the series generated 100,000 views per episode and resulted in a 10% increase in attendance at local tenants’ rights workshops, that would be a significant return on investment. The key is to ensure that the dramatizations are based on real cases and that the information presented is accurate and unbiased. O.C.G.A. Section 44-7-1 outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Georgia. The Fulton County Magistrate Court handles many of these disputes.

A Call to Action: Reimagine News

The news industry is facing an existential crisis. Traditional business models are collapsing, and audiences are increasingly tuning out. To survive and thrive, news organizations must embrace innovation and experiment with new formats and approaches. They must be willing to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom. And most importantly, they must be willing to engage with their audiences on a deeper, more meaningful level.

I urge news organizations to consider the potential of combining opinion and theater in their reporting. Don’t be afraid to cut through social media noise, to tell stories that move people, and to create experiences that inspire action. The future of news depends on it.

But how do we ensure accuracy? News Needs Experts, particularly when presenting complex information to the public.

Perhaps context can save journalism, by providing a fuller understanding of the events.

Stop chasing the mirage of perfect objectivity. Start thinking about how you can use opinion and theater to create news that truly matters. Start today. Your audience will thank you for it.