"A philosophical question: Which is a higher journalism value, fairness or truth?

Much of the time it's a question that need not be answered. We can pursue the truth -- and be fair to constituent groups in a story.

But how should a journalist respond when those values conflict? And is the answer any different for opinion journalism -- editorial pages and columns -- as opposed to straight news reporting?

I start with fairness as a given; it's deeply embedded in my character. I want to play fair. I often seek dissent or give weight to opinions that challenge what we've written in an editorial. In general, the voice of dissent helps me understand my own arguments.

But is that always the right approach -- especially when it comes to opinion?"

Get the Story:
Mark Trahant: Truth a higher calling than fairness (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 11/13)

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