This misses the point

Submitted by Rich Taylor (United States), Sep 8, 2004 at 07:00

What YOU may see as a terrorist another may see as a hero, and every side relies on unbiased news reporting to get out the facts (not judgments).

The fact that news organizations don't take sides doesn't mean they are shying away from the conflict. It is not the duty of a news organization to take sides or patriotically waive the flag; they are supposed to report the facts on the ground in as clear and accurate language as possible. The atrocity at Beslan is made no worse by using the descriptive "terrorist" nor is it made any better with the word "militant" or "extremist." News organizations have simply reported what happened, when, and how, without making judgments.

You can call any group by any name you prefer, including "terrorist." Responsible news organizations will report the news as accurately and neutrally as possible, allowing readers/viewers to make up their own minds. Using the word "terrorist" in a news story certainly does not lend itself to that purpose.

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