Sceptical or cynical journalist?

One of the attributes required to be a good journalist is to be a sceptic. Who else but a journalist requires evidence for claims as sceptics do?

In the course of our work, we regularly find claims which we have to verify to properly inform and educate our audience. A sceptical mind that is based on critical thinking enables the journalist to give sources of information the benefit of doubt and make decisions based on verifiable facts and figures.

However, in an attempt to be a good sceptic, some journalists have become cynics who do not believe in inherent goodness or morality.

‘Thus most things are wrong, bad and conspiratorial. Evidence doesn’t necessarily sway cynics, as they abide by a relentless confirmation bias and stick to their guns.

‘Cynics are generally pessimists, unlike sceptics who remain open,’ according to contributors on a discussion on the difference between the two words onwww.english.stackexchange.com

To be fair and objective in our reporting as required by the ethics of our profession, it is better to be a sceptic than a cynical journalist.

The danger in being a cynical journalist is that this mindset may affect your attitude to your personal life and hinder your career development. Just as you may not be convinced about the good in any assignment you are covering, you are likely to dismiss opportunities that can enhance your career.

Even before setting out to investigate reports, some reporters make up their mind on what to believe and will refuse to be persuaded notwithstanding evidence to the contrary.

The right attitude to life is to have an open mind and take decisions on what to do in any given circumstance. If you are so cynical about what you can accomplish in the profession, you are not likely to make necessary progress like your colleagues who are more accommodating of ‘superior arguments’ when they are offered.

There is nothing wrong with being critical or sceptical on any issue. There is nothing wrong with asking all the necessary questions or quizzing sources about their motives. However, something could be wrong when you deliberately choose to be a cynical journalist and can’t see anything good in your media assignments or what you can accomplish as a journalist.