Following Trump Win, NYT Vows To 'Rededicate' To 'Fundamental Mission Of Times Journalism'
- 8 years ago
Following Donald Trump's victory, the New York Times sent a letter to its readers on Friday, reflecting on the election and its coverage.
The New York Times was one of the many national newspapers to endorse Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election and it was widely criticized by the Trump supporters who accused the publication of being biased in its coverage.
Following Donald Trump's victory, the Times sent a letter to its readers on Friday, reflecting on the election and its coverage.
It notes, "After such an erratic and unpredictable election there are inevitable questions: Did Donald Trump’s sheer unconventionality lead us and other news outlets to underestimate his support among American voters? What forces and strains in America drove this divisive election and outcome?"
The letter further states, in part, "As we reflect on this week’s momentous result, and the months of reporting and polling that preceded it, we aim to rededicate ourselves to the fundamental mission of Times journalism. That is to report America and the world honestly, without fear or favor, striving always to understand and reflect all political perspectives and life experiences in the stories that we bring to you. It is also to hold power to account, impartially and unflinchingly. We believe we reported on both candidates fairly during the presidential campaign. You can rely on The New York Times to bring the same fairness, the same level of scrutiny, the same independence to our coverage of the new president and his team."
Many Twitter users disagreed with the media outlet's assertion that it was unbiased. One noted, "You absolutely did not report on both candidates fairly. You were favoring Hillary day after day. Every story was pro Hillary."
Another said, "I'll believe it when I see it."
The New York Times was one of the many national newspapers to endorse Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election and it was widely criticized by the Trump supporters who accused the publication of being biased in its coverage.
Following Donald Trump's victory, the Times sent a letter to its readers on Friday, reflecting on the election and its coverage.
It notes, "After such an erratic and unpredictable election there are inevitable questions: Did Donald Trump’s sheer unconventionality lead us and other news outlets to underestimate his support among American voters? What forces and strains in America drove this divisive election and outcome?"
The letter further states, in part, "As we reflect on this week’s momentous result, and the months of reporting and polling that preceded it, we aim to rededicate ourselves to the fundamental mission of Times journalism. That is to report America and the world honestly, without fear or favor, striving always to understand and reflect all political perspectives and life experiences in the stories that we bring to you. It is also to hold power to account, impartially and unflinchingly. We believe we reported on both candidates fairly during the presidential campaign. You can rely on The New York Times to bring the same fairness, the same level of scrutiny, the same independence to our coverage of the new president and his team."
Many Twitter users disagreed with the media outlet's assertion that it was unbiased. One noted, "You absolutely did not report on both candidates fairly. You were favoring Hillary day after day. Every story was pro Hillary."
Another said, "I'll believe it when I see it."