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By Jackie Clews

While many journalists hold strong opinions about whom they support in this election, I feel they should have done a better job keeping their personal opinions out of their reporting.

Many stereotypes are created by a few in a group, but everyone as a consequence becomes associated with that feature or action. For example, just because someone is Asian doesn’t mean he likes fried rice. Just because someone’s in a sorority doesn’t mean her parents are rolling in money. And just because someone’s a journalist doesn’t mean his or her report is biased. It’s sad, but that is what many assume the media do–not just in the past, but more than ever, during this election.

I understand it is hard to keep your opinion out of your writing, speech, and interviews on a subject you are passionate about. But as a reporter, it should be enforced, not just suggested, that you and your station or your publication do just that.

I admit this really is harder than it sounds if you are really in favor of one candidate. I know because I did it when interviewing early voters on Friday in Oklahoma City. Of course, I edited that part out. But I should not have said anything at all.

Wouldn’t you think a television station would think the same thing? Its reporters have been doing this for a while, and there is a sophisticated editing process that could be used to avoid such endorsements of candidates.

Even when you are pretty sure whom someone supports, it still enhances their credibility when they keep that information to themselves (such as Oprah Winfrey, who won’t tell until after the election).

Besides, if you can keep others in the dark about whom you support, you may find out a little more about why other people support the candidate of their choice…and at least get a good laugh if nothing else.

Jackie Clews, a junior from Plano, Texas, is working on the OU Nightly newscast and interning at Channel 5 in Oklahoma City.