Equal-time objectivity norms create false equivalence on settled factual issues

Evidence

The mantra of objectivity was reflected in a resolve to provide “equal time” and a reflex to “tell both sides of the story” even on factual matters. While this may have been a reasonable or even laudable goal when it came to opinion-based topics, it proved to be a disaster for science coverage. By allowing “equal time,” the media only succeeded in creating “false equivalence” between two sides of an issue even when there were not really two credible sides. — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 158

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s interest in manufactured doubt and how institutional norms create epistemic harm — parallels the planted-facts essays on disinformation as a weapon. — connects to: Hidden value judgments hide behind claims of technical objectivity — Douglas A. Kysar, Regulating from Nowhere: Environmental…, 231; Journalistic objectivity means facilitating truth, not equal time to falsehood — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 164; Formal balance and impartiality in media mask real dominance of prevailing interpretations (+3 more)
• ADDENDUM: Relevant supporting material for any treatment of manufactured doubt such as the Grafting article’s infrastructure argument — here the norm-serving mechanism is formalized.

Broader Connections

• Journalistic objectivity means facilitating truth, not equal time to falsehood #corroborates (0.92) — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 164
• False equivalence can disguise bias under a show of balance #expands (0.88) — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 350
• Hidden value judgments hide behind claims of technical objectivity #expands (0.85) — Douglas A. Kysar, Regulating from Nowhere, 231
• Formal balance and impartiality in media mask real dominance of prevailing interpretations #expands (0.80)
• Journalistic objectivity grants a false outsider status to reports created from inside conflicts #corroborates (0.78) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 869