Journalistic principles

Language

Here we seek to examine the journalist’s use of language to determine whether choice of words compromises objectivity and is likely to mislead audiences. In particular, we look at language in the context of:

  • Application of different terminology to similar or comparable acts, organisations and individuals
  • Application of similar terminology to non-comparable acts, organisations and individuals
  • Endorsement of a particular narrative through use of language


  • Application of different terminology to similar or comparable acts, organisations and individuals
    When referring to analogous acts, groups or individuals, use of different terminology may imply an impartial position. 

  • Application of similar terminology to non-comparable acts, organisations and individuals
    Using a similar term to describe acts, groups or individuals which are different may also be a sign of an impartial opinion. For example, where a journalist describes two personalities as “great leaders”, even though the first individual was an international statesman and the second a Hizbollah operative.

  • Endorsement of a particular narrative through use of language
    This is when a journalist uses highly-charged language which is viewed as an endorsement of one particular viewpoint . For example, using the term ‘catastrophe’ (translation from the Arabic 'nakba') to describe the experience of Palestinians in 1948, would imply an endorsement of the Palestinian discourse on the formation of the State of Israel.

 

Key quotes:

“We should not distort known facts, present invented material as fact, or knowingly do anything to mislead our audiences.”
BBC Editorial Guidelines

"Our journalists and presenters, including those in news and current affairs, may provide professional judgments but may not express personal opinions on matters of public policy or political or industrial controversy. Our audiences should not be able to tell from BBC programmes or other BBC output the personal views of our journalists and presenters on such matters."
BBC Editorial Guidelines