Journalism Experts: D.C. Fox Reporter's Pro-Gun Advocacy Is "Untenable"

[ashling]

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/02/11/journalism-experts-dc-fox-reporters-pro-gun-adv/202496

Miller, Fox 5's chief investigative reporter, has openly advocated on behalf of gun rights groups, most recently speaking at a rally in Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday that was organized by the National Rifle Association's lobbying arm and local gun rights groups. Washington Post writer Erik Wemple highlighted Miller's appearance and argued that her presence at events that advance a specific legislative agenda "puts WTTG in a bind vis-a-vis Maryland politics."

*****

Miller reportedly told Wemple that WTTG approved of her advocacy for gun-rights groups, but several journalism instructors near the nation's capital and others who monitor news ethics contend Miller's actions are at least a conflict, and at worst a violation of journalistic credibility.

"A journalist who advocates for an organization no longer has credibility as a reporter. Credibility is all we have to sell these days," said Gilbert Klein, a journalism professor at American University in Washington and former National Press Club president. "Even for a columnist, who has more leeway in expressing opinion, being a member of an advocacy group undercuts credibility. I tell my students from day one, if you want to be a journalist, you give up your right to be an advocate, even if your reporting work does not coincide with your advocacy."

Patrick Pexton, a former Washington Post ombudsman, offered a simple answer to whether Miller should be advocating for gun rights while still a reporter: "She shouldn't. Period."

I am, too, think this is definitely wrong.

My only question is

how is this any different from what folks at Faux do on a regular basis?

[Bandit]

1. I think most people recognize that Fox News has no journalists.

Fox News openly admits they are an entertainment and opinion network...

[ashling]

2. Maybe

but there are plenty of people who accept it as gospel

[Lurks Often]

3. Journalistic integrity on BOTH sides fell by the wayside years ago

Journalists on BOTH sides lie, omit or twist things to fit their own agenda and worldview. And when it one of the more controversial issues (abortion, immigration, LGBT rights, guns, Social Security, etc) we get more outraged then normal.

In this case, if you don't like guns the reporter has taken a political side and no longer has any credibility.

If you like guns, you think the reporter has done a good job investigating and publishing the degree Washington DC will go to prevent people from getting a gun permit despite losing repeatedly in court.

[beevul]

4. Yeah, just look at all the calls for media to stop advocating against gun rights.

Oh, wait, there aren't any.