A dangerous balancing act: On matters of science, a well-meaning desire to present all views equally can be an Trojan horse for damaging falsehoods

EMBO Rep. 2019 Aug;20(8):e48706. doi: 10.15252/embr.201948706. Epub 2019 Jul 9.

Abstract

Journalistic impartiality is a laudable aim, but overly rigid application of unbiased reporting may do more harm than good. The issue of false balance in science reporting has severe consequences for health and the environment.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Humans
  • Mass Media / ethics*
  • Politics*