In our recent Facebook exchange, New York Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief Jodi Rudoren made the following claim:
This is a huge step forward. We have seen increasing examples of media coverage that simply states the casualties on both sides without explaining to readers the “intent” of both sides. Namely, that Palestinian terrorists are trying to murder as many Israelis as possible while Israelis are trying to defend themselves. Without clearly stating that the Palestinians died while trying to kill Jews, the media misrepresent what has been happening.
For a prominent journalist such as Rudoren to endorse language that uses the words “Palestinian assailants” and “Palestinian attackers” is a welcome change. (Although ideally, we would prefer the term “terrorists.”)
So now, we will see whether the Times can live up to Rudoren’s “test.” And while we are at it, we will also see if other news services pass the Rudoren Test. Using words like the ones she suggested would clarify to readers the difference between the Israeli and Palestinian casualties. Doing so would be a big step away from “scoreboard journalism.”
You can be sure we continue analyzing the media and see who passes the Rudoren Test.
Image: CC BY-SA HonestReporting, Darko Stojanovic via pixabay
