MSNBC's Stewart talks business, journalism at UNC business school

In an industry as contradictory as journalism, the line between objectiveness and business is often blurred.

That was the message of MSNBC guest anchor Alison Stewart on Monday night at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she described the relationship between journalism and business as “the devil of money versus the angel of being a good journalist.”

Addressing a crowd of about 50 people, Stewart discussed the threat posed by news organizations taking on more extreme points of view in exchange for higher ratings and a more loyal viewership.

“People tend to create their own news bubbles,” she said. “But how healthy is it to go to a news source that affirms what you already believe?”

Stewart, who won an Emmy Award for her reports from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 for ABC, added that relying on a single source of news often skews the information because statements may be taken out of context or proportion.

“We can improve the presentation of news by giving equal time to opposing views,” she said.

Stewart said she hopes this will promote civil discussions between people with differing beliefs, thus broadening each individual’s perspective.

Despite the gravity of her concern, Stewart said she finds consolation through technology.

Although she said technology — especially the Internet — can interfere with personable interactions, she said it functions as a useful tool for news-related communication.

In her presentation, Stewart emphasized that sites such as Facebook and Twitter are now being used to post news articles, expanding access to those who do not follow the news on a regular basis.

Page Bridges, a second-year medical student, said she enjoyed Stewart’s perspectives on new media and the Internet.

Most of all, Bridges said she valued the news anchor’s insights on the journalism industry.

“I’ve always been interested in where people get their news, and it was nice to hear someone address that topic,” she said.


Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.