By Alyssa Gomez

Through the last four years of pursuing a degree in journalism, I have been taught many things, the most prominent being: tell both sides of the story. Though this theory may seem like a simple instruction it is something young journalists like me have to work at.

I remember being in a heated crowd in downtown Chicago when abortion rights were being taken away from women in America. It was the first story I felt as if I was covering something important; a hard-hitting breaking news story. As excited as I was, I can now look back and recognize my shortcomings that day. Because when you are face to face with the opposing side, chanting rude, nasty, and even threatening things, it is difficult to approach them with confidence and ask for their point of view…and I didn’t.

I was in that situation not long ago, and despite being thrilled to cover a hard-hitting and important story, I failed in the aspect of covering both sides. Like the world around us changing, I’m still changing too and learning every day. I may have been afraid then, but if I was thrown into that situation today, I firmly believe that I have the confidence and knowledge to confront the opposing side and get their statement, without fail. In this instance, both sides journalism was not only helpful, but absolutely necessary.

Recently in my classes the question has been debated: in what instance do we abandon both sides journalism in pursuit for the truth? More than that, are we required to tell all and every side of an issue, story etc. even if they don’t contribute to exposing the truth?

Pursuing both sides journalism becomes increasingly more difficult in today’s political climate. To remain fair when both sides are explaining their viewpoint is one thing, but to give a platform to a political party when they promote falsehoods that have been repeatedly disproven is another. When we allow our platform to be utilized to spread false information, we lose credibility and contribute to the distrust that the public has in the media. It has been debated that abandoning this practice can lead to imbalance in political reporting, leaning one way or another politically.

The idea of telling both sides of the story is simple in practice, but not when a journalist’s credibility is on the line. Their credibility is their livelihood, it is what their entire career is based upon. It is not as simple as giving one side a platform over another. Like detectives, we must provide evidence and proof to disprove falsehoods and misinformation. This requires digging and searching for facts, calling people for confirmation, and linking to your sources. It is not easy and is often extremely time consuming. But in the pursuit for honest and truthful journalism, it is more important to report the truth than it is to uphold both sides. We shouldn’t be pressured into providing a platform for lies to spread, even if that means sacrificing the “both sides’ ideal.

There is an old saying my parents have often used in our household: “There’s three sides to every story. Your version, my version, and the truth.” I will always be in search of the truth.

In conclusion, nothing these days is black and white. Journalism is facing challenges like never before. We are challenged to critically think when it is appropriate to use both sides journalism, when to abandon it, and most importantly; what will serve the public in the best way possible.