The Aquila opinion column – by Chesney Bradshaw
One of the most concerning trends in modern journalism is the practice of news media endorsing political candidates. Media outlets, which are supposed to be impartial watchdogs of democracy, cannot credibly claim neutrality when they throw their weight behind a political figure. This practice raises serious questions about objectivity, integrity, and the role of journalism in society.
Take, for example, the Washington Post, whose owner, Jeff Bezos, has wisely refrained from endorsing any political candidate. In a country as large and politically influential as the United States, this decision signals a commitment to preserving media freedom. By choosing not to endorse, the Post is maintaining its critical distance, allowing its reporting to speak for itself without the taint of political favoritism.
Contrast this with The Economist, a magazine with a long history of insightful analysis and intellectual rigor. Recently, they endorsed a candidate for the U.S. presidency, a decision that surprised and disappointed many of its readers. How can a media outlet be trusted to provide balanced coverage if it openly advocates for a particular political outcome? This endorsement does more than risk alienating readers with opposing views; it also undermines the credibility of their reporting on political matters.
Political endorsements by the press create an inherent contradiction. A media outlet cannot, on the one hand, purport to be a dispassionate observer of events and, on the other, cheerlead for a specific candidate. This opens the door to accusations of bias, whether real or perceived, and casts doubt on the fairness of their coverage. Readers begin to question whether critical reporting of the endorsed candidate’s rivals is driven by legitimate scrutiny or partisan loyalty.
Furthermore, endorsements narrow the scope of debate. By aligning with one candidate, a media outlet risks shutting down alternative viewpoints. A free press should encourage a broad and open discussion of ideas, not limit discourse by favoring one politician over others. The role of the media is to hold all leaders accountable, not to act as a de facto campaign arm for one.
In an age where trust in media is at an all-time low, endorsements damage the fragile relationship between journalists and the public. Citizens look to the media for facts and analysis, not for instructions on who to vote for. To rebuild and retain trust, media outlets should recommit themselves to impartiality and resist the temptation to enter the political fray. Journalism should serve the public by informing and challenging power—not by cozying up to it.
Endorsing political candidates may have once been seen as a civic duty, but in today’s hyper-partisan environment, it does more harm than good. For the sake of media integrity, it’s time to stop the practice of political endorsements. Instead, news outlets should focus on what they do best: delivering accurate, nuanced reporting that empowers voters to make up their own minds.
