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Opinion

Defending balanced reporting in Fountain Hills

By Joe Smyth | Scottsdale

Posted

As a retired journalist who favors balanced reporting, I was interested in Alan Meehan’s claim that the Fountain Hills Times Independent’s coverage of a political hassle over a Christmas decoration was one-sided.

I re-read Bob Burns’ Dec. 17 story, headlined “Holiday decorations cause political dispute in Fountain Hills,” and it seems to me to be perfectly balanced. He quotes both sides of the dispute and gives no indication of his personal opinion.  

Mr. Meehan’s letter, however, leaves no doubt about his opinion. Could his real complaint be that the article wasn’t slanted to favor Mr. Meehan’s viewpoint?

There are already too many propagandists posing as legitimate journalists. It’s important that readers recognize the difference and come to the defense of journalists like Bob Burns who keep their personal opinions out of their reporting.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

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