Last October, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Managing Editor George Stanley tried his best to convince readers that the paper is fair and balanced. He cited some examples and then wrote,
“In these cases the press, in all its forms, is not leading public opinion but reflecting it.”
He added, “We're here to serve all readers - conservative, liberal, independent and nonpolitical.”
Stanley was referring primarily to the paper’s reporters. I don’t buy it, and my skepticism applies to both the news and editorial coverage.
In my blog last October, I challenged the paper: “Stop telling us you’re fair and balanced. Prove it.”
Today, I begin a new feature on This Just In. Every week, I’ll review the most coveted editorial pages of the week by opinion-makers as well as the most widely-read, the Sunday “Crossroads” section of the Journal Sentinel. I will keep track of the conservative and liberal pieces published and keep a running score throughout the year.
I will not count pieces by Journal Sentinel columnists or Journal Sentinel editorial writers, short Quick Hits or Advisory Hits. Judgment is, of course, subjective, but I’m pretty sure I can perceive if an opinion piece is conservative or liberal.
What about Monday through Saturday? Sorry. I’m going to concentrate on the Sunday pages. If others want to take on the task of monitoring the other days, God bless them.
What about reviews based on column inches or word totals? Sorry. I have a life. The article is either conservative or liberal leaning. In the box scores, it doesn’t show how a basket was made, it just adds them up. That’s what I’m going to do. Let’s start.
TODAY’S LIBERAL PIECES:
Gregory Nemet and David Weimer: Now's the moment to levy an import tax for energy research
Dan Kohler and Andy Jorgensen: Let's capitalize on our energy assets (Uses the term, “investment, “ code for spending)
Mary T. Wagner: How about a tax on what leads to trouble?
TODAY’S CONSERVATIVE PIECES:
Michael J. Mathias: Elections a cure, not curse
Labeling Mathias’ piece “conservative” wasn’t easy. Mathias is a liberal blogger who is running for the Milwaukee School Board. He takes the position that the board should remain an elected body, unlike the Journal Sentinel that recently editorialized for an appointed board.
This is nothing new. Liberals often turn swiftly to the right when running for office. I can’t speak for the level of sincerity in Mathias’ statements, but his is a conservative view and the paper did publish an opposing stance.
But isn’t it interesting. The only “conservative” piece on the editorial pages today doesn’t come from a true conservative.
MJS SCORECARD:
TODAY: Liberal-3, Conservative-1
YEAR TO DATE: Liberal-3, Conservative -1
