Jim Lehrer, (1934-2020) American journalist, novelist, screenwriter, playwright Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-1] of 1 Jim Lehrer quotesJim Lehrer QuotesJim Lehrer I practice journalism in accordance with the following guidelines: • Do nothing I cannot defend. • Do not distort, lie, slant or hype. • Do not falsify facts or make up quotes. • Cover, write and present every story with the care I would want if the story were about me. • Assume there is at least one other side or version to every story. • Assume the viewer is as smart and caring and good a person as I am. • Assume the same about all people on whom I report. • Assume everyone is innocent until proven guilty. • Assume personal lives are a private matter until a legitimate turn in the story mandates otherwise. • Carefully separate opinion and analysis from straight news stories and clearly label it as such. • Do not use anonymous sources or blind quotes except on rare and monumental occasions. No one should ever be allowed to attack another anonymously. • Do not broadcast profanity or the end result of violence unless it is an integral and necessary part of the story and/or crucial to its understanding. • Acknowledge that objectivity may be impossible but fairness never is. • Journalists who are reckless with facts and reputations should be disciplined by their employers. • My viewers have a right to know what principles guide my work and the process I use in their practice. • I am not in the entertainment business. ~ Jim Lehrer Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print