The Impact of Objectivity Standards in Partisan News

This thesis critically examines the adherence to objectivity and neutrality in British print media during the politically turbulent period of 2019–2020, which includes the 2019 General Election and the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grounded in a comprehensive review of media theories and journalistic practices, the study interrogates how traditional notions of objectivity and emerging forms of advocacy journalism influence news reporting. By analysing four prominent national newspapers—The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Sun, and The Mirror—the research aims to uncover the complex interplay between journalistic standards, partisan sympathies, and the politicisation of news coverage.
To measure objectivity and neutrality, the research introduces three analytical tools: the Objectivity Adherence Score (OAS), the Neutrality Adherence Score (NAS), and the Politicised Coverage Score (PCS). The OAS evaluates the use of authoritative sources and fact-checking practices, while the NAS examines the presence of balanced perspectives and political sympathies. The PCS assesses the extent of politicisation through the use of political jargon and framing.
The findings reveal that all four newspapers display similar levels of adherence to objectivity standards, as indicated by comparable OAS results. However, significant variations emerge in the NAS, with The Telegraph and The Sun exhibiting higher neutrality than The Guardian. Notably, The Guardian, despite its explicit commitment to impartiality, demonstrates strong left-leaning sympathies and the highest levels of politicisation.
This paradox highlights a critical insight: adherence to objectivity does not necessarily ensure neutral or unbiased reporting. The study argues that objectivity can be strategically utilised to advance partisan perspectives, thereby influencing public opinion while maintaining a façade of neutrality. This phenomenon is explored through the lens of advocacy journalism, which critiques traditional notions of objectivity yet employs its techniques to enhance credibility.
The research contributes to media studies by challenging simplistic notions of media bias and emphasising the need for nuanced frameworks to understand the complex interplay between objectivity, neutrality, and partisanship. It underscores the limitations of objectivity as a safeguard against bias and calls for greater transparency in journalistic practices.