Grading the Watchdogs:  What Media Will We Evaluate?

By Dr. Tom Shanks 
October 9, 2024 

With political messaging flooding the media, voters often rely on news to make informed decisions. Democracy also relies on news outlets to serve as watchdogs holding the government accountable to the people.  

But at a time when news outlets are cutting staff and struggling to survive, how fair and trustworthy will they be?

Public Ethics Now (PEN) will use the ethical standards of the San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, and San Jose Spotlight to evaluate their coverage of the Santa Clara election. These organizations are committed to ethical  journalism, with memberships in groups like the Institute for Nonprofit News, partnerships with the Trust Project, and Hearst Standards and Practices.  PEN will review their stories for fairness, transparency, and accountability.

PEN may also review other local sources (like Santa Clara News Online, the Silicon Valley Voice, San Jose Inside, and local TV).  These media have different objectives and standards but should also be held accountable for their coverage of the Santa Clara government and politics.