CBS News Prez Says “Notion Of Objectivity In Mainstream News Needs To Be Reexamined”

Earlier this week, CBS News president Andrew Heyward said “the notion of objectivity in mainstream news needs to be reexamined.”

The comments were made a NY gathering of “media executives, media observers and bloggers at the Museum of Television and Radio.” Buzzmachine’s Jeff Jarvis transcribes:

Heyward surprised and impressed me when he talked about the weaknesses of mainstream media today: — “The breakdown of our formulas.” He said the presentation must become more authentic, more natural. — “The illusion of omniscience. A lot of television news is based around the notion that there is one truth the reporter gets to. The public has to accept the notion of ambiguity…and we have to be bold enough to acknowledge that there is more than one answer.” — “The introduction of a point of view…The notion of objectivity in mainstream news needs to be reexamined.”

Jarvis says Heyward’s comments reflect “a cultural change in meanstream news.” Terry Heaton calls it “remarkable.” Jay Rosen sums up the comments this way: “‘That’s the way it is’ journalism isn’t credible anymore…Therefore point-of-view has started to become more acceptable because it seems more inevitable.” (Photo via Terry Heaton)