[SoDu Reading Room] Facts Don't Have Two Sides

Our latest installment of SoDu Reading Room turns its attention to Chris Quinn, editor of Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, who writes about the challenges and responsibilities of journalism in the current political climate.

He addresses criticism from readers who question the publication’s treatment of Donald Trump and other politicians, with some accusing the media of bias and others demanding fairness. Quinn explains the difficulty of writing such columns, acknowledging that no matter his approach, he risks offending some readers. However, he emphasizes the newspaper’s commitment to truth, highlighting the importance of factual reporting, especially regarding Trump’s actions that threatened democratic institutions.

Quinn also touches on the historical context, drawing parallels between the complacency of German media in the 1930s and the current political landscape in the United States. He stresses the danger of enabling leaders who undermine democracy through lies and authoritarian behavior. Despite facing backlash, Quinn asserts that the duty of his newsroom is to uphold the truth, even if it means alienating some readers. He concludes by underscoring the commitment of his team to continue reporting the truth about Trump and other significant political figures and events.

Here are some takeaways from the column:

• The column addresses the challenge of reporting on Donald Trump in a manner that is truthful yet faces criticism for perceived bias.
• Readers express discontent with the portrayal of Trump, some citing a lack of equal treatment compared to other politicians, while others accuse the media of ignoring alleged crimes by Joe Biden.
• The editor emphasizes the commitment to truth, stating that Trump’s actions, particularly his efforts to undermine the 2020 election and incite an insurrection, are unprecedented and well-documented facts, not subject to debate or false equivalency.
• The comparison is made between those in the U.S. who support Trump despite his anti-democratic actions and German leaders in the 1930s who enabled Hitler, suggesting a failure to learn from history.
• Despite the polarized response from the readership, the commitment to reporting the truth remains the guiding principle of the newsroom, even if it leads to discomfort or disagreement among some readers.

Here at Southpoint Access, we also want to promote fairness, but acknowledge that facts aren’t flexible. Readers should expect and demand truth, not political hype.