Report studies journalists covering the war in Iraq

When the "War on Terror" commenced in Iraq, news reporters were quickly embedded among the platoons. Throughout the conflict their objectivity was called into question by many pundits and even their own colleagues. An IU professor and doctoral student, Byungho Park, set out to answer these questions about embedded reporters' objectivity in a recently published study. \n"Most journalists say they strive for objectivity," said Julia Fox, IU assistant professor of telecommunications. \nFox began a study of this objectivity by researching a composite 16-hour day of CNN coverage from the first few days of the campaign in March 2003. She studied field reports, and a total of 64 embedded reports and 46 non-embedded reports were included in the sample. \nFox describes objectivity as a standard free from personal bias, values and opinions. \n"Polls show people want journalists to follow this," Fox said. \nFox includes third-person writing and dual-side interviewing as practices that help writers adhere to this standard. \nThe study questioned if objectivity could be sustained if these practices were disregarded, as they are in embedded reports. \nBy studying the use of the personal pronouns "I" and "me" in embedded reports, Fox found interesting results. \nObjectivity was still retained because the "I" and "me" pronouns were used in an eyewitness account on fashion, Fox said. \nFox does not, however, deny that it seems fairly easy for these stories to become subjective. \n"It is inevitable that (embedded) reporters will put themselves in the story, but violating the standard can be avoided," Fox said. \nAlthough only one side of the war is covered due to security issues, Fox also said this does not necessarily compromise objectivity. \nSome still disagree with this assessment. \nIU School of Journalism Career Advisor Marcia Debnam has a different view of objectivity in embedded reporting.\n"Only one side receiving coverage will lead to a bias," said Debnam. \nDebnam also said it is difficult to write any story without somehow being biased.\n"Even if a person says they are 'unbiased,' all of their values, political views and religious beliefs are inside of them before they even begin to report," Debnam said. \nDebnam also said spending time in a high-stress environment could lead to a compromise of objectivity and that relationships will be formed that lead to emotions becoming involved. \nStill, both Fox and Debnam do agree on one thing. \n"This practice will continue to be used in the future, because it has been found to be effective," Fox said.