Walter Isaacson Quotes

Well, I don't know about objectivity, but I know for certain that it's always possible for a professional journalist who understands what he or she's up to to be fair, and that's the key word. Fairness to individuals, fairness to ideas, and to issues and whatever - that is critical, and that is also part and parcel of what the job.

In contrast to what most prosecutors do, we try to treat all individuals with complete fairness. We do not go out and hold press conferences and the like.

What NPR did, I'm very proud of, and what NPR stood for is non-racist, non-bigoted, straightforward telling of the news.

The ethics of journalism are one thing. Another thing is the ethics of business.

There's no attempt to manipulate the audience. We made our choice at the start.

I think as journalists, we have to keep our distance from power.

Journalists hold themselves apart, and above, the common person. They have rules designed to ensure their objectivity and impartiality.

Disclosure is the antidote to partiality and favor.

They [speakers] enjoin promptitude and impartiality in deciding the various questions of order as they arise; firmness and dignity in his deportment toward the House; patience, good temper, and courtesy towards the individual Members ... the fair exhibition of every subject presented for consideration. They especially require of him, in those moments of agitation from which no deliberative assembly is always entirely exempt, to remain cool and unshaken amidst the storms of debate, carefully guarding the preservation of the permanent laws and rules of the House from being sacrificed to temporary passions, prejudices, or interests.

I wish at all events to retain at all times a judicial habit of not condemning a thing utterly until I have heard what is to be said for it.

When something favors France, I say so. When it doesn't, I say so, too.

I never want to make people upset, but sometimes we may. When I interview people, I try to make it clear that our obligation is to what we uncover and to telling that story and to presenting it fairly and making sure everyone has a say.

A journalist covering politics, most of us are aware of the necessity to try to be sure we're unbiased in our reporting. That's one of the fundamentals of good journalism.

The truth matters, and despite my objection to the creation of the Select Panel, as its Ranking Member, I will do all I can to ensure that as long at it continues, it will be as fair, transparent and objective as possible.

I'm a news anchor; I'm not an ideologue.

I try to play each ball on its merit.

I'm just trying to be fair with everybody and also with myself.

There has been far too much of journalists deciding they are on the side of something and going out to get the story, instead of truth seeking which is a different thing.

As for being an objective journalist? That's easy. I want what everyone else wants: the truth.

There's no bias when it comes to facts, and there's no bias when it comes to decency.

Journalists aren't supposed to be cheerleaders.

For me, the main principle for broadcasters has to be that if people stand to benefit from an interview, they should be prepared to face some downside as well.

There are still personalities that you bond with or a fighting spirit that you connect with, but as a host you have to stay impartial and root for all of them.

Take no thought of who is right or wrong or who is better than. Be not for or against.

No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first.