Dan Balz speaks on the sensitivity relating to political reporting

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Dan Balz speaks about the polarizing political climate, as a current Washington Post political reporter.

Dan Balz has been a Washington Post reporter since 1978. He is the chief correspondent covering national politics and is based in Washington D.C.

Balz mentioned ‘both sides-ism’, also known as false balancing, in the media when covering opposing sides.

“‘You’re treating both sides as if they're exactly the same and they’re not and we’re in an asymmetrical situation here,” Balz said. Possibly understating one side or another is considered a form of misinformation.

All stories should be told as “truthfully” and “fairly” as the journalist can make it, Balz offered a valuable and simple piece of advice,

“No cheap shots, but if you need to call out somebody for misdeeds or false statements or whatever you have to do that as part of the story,” Balz said.

Dan has learned by experience. The 46 years of reporting have allowed Balz to cover the presidential elections and the candidates ’ campaigns closely.

Balz has published several books about politics including the 2008 and 2012 presidential election and has accepted five awards for his journalism abilities. His most recent award is the John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism, in 2017, and is given to a journalist based on their entire career and accomplishments.

Balz can recall a time when he spoke to former president Barack Obama and said that his campaign would be a novel and “he isn’t the most interesting character in it.”

He even mentioned the change of culture in politics relating to journalism. Although Trump and Harris do not have press planes that accompany them on their travels, that used to be an expectation every few years.

“They want to keep more distance from reporters,” Balz said.

Natalie Simone is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email nvs5790@psu.edu.