Why I’m Sick of Fake Balance
Look, I’ve been editing news for 22 years. I started at a tiny paper in Ohio, moved to a mid-sized outlet in Chicago, and now I’m here in Taipei. And let me tell you something—honestly, I’m tired of pretending both sides are always equal. Sometimes they’re not. And that’s okay.
Last Tuesday, I was at a conference in Austin (yes, I travel alot for this job). A colleague named Dave—let’s call him Dave—stood up and said, “We have to present both sides fairly.” And I’m like, “Dave, sometimes there isn’t a fair side. Sometimes one side is just wrong.” He looked at me like I’d grown a second head. Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But here’s the thing: news isn’t about being polite. It’s about being real. And in Taiwan right now, the news is a mess. And I’m not afraid to say it.
The Time I Got in Trouble
About three months ago, I wrote a piece about the political climate. I said what I thought—straight up, no sugarcoating. My editor at the time, let’s call him Marcus, called me into his office. “You can’t say that,” he said. “We need to be balanced.” I asked, “Even when one side is pushing misinformation?” He didn’t have an answer. That’s when I knew I needed to make a change.
So here I am, writing for TaiwanInNews.com, saying what needs to be said. No apologies.
Taiwan’s News Problem
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Taiwan’s news landscape is fragmented. There are 214 news outlets here, and they’re all fighting for attention. But quality? That’s a different story.
I was having coffee with a friend last week—over at the place on 5th, you know the one. She’s a journalist, been in the game for 15 years. She told me, “The pressure to sensationalize is real. You either play the game or you get left behind.” And I get it. But at what cost?
I read a study once—okay, fine, it was a blog post—about how people are completley overwhelmed by the amount of news out there. It’s not just Taiwan, it’s everywhere. But here, it’s worse. Because the stakes are higher. And the truth is, most people don’t know who to trust anymore.
How to Spot the BS
So, how do you find the good stuff? Honestly, it’s hard. But here’s what I tell people:
First, look for consistency. If a story keeps changing, that’s a red flag. Second, check the sources. Are they reliable? Or are they just some guy’s blog? Third, read beyond the headline. I know, it’s a committment, but it’s worth it.
And if you’re still not sure, check out the product reviews recommendation guide. No, seriously. They do a great job of breaking down complex issues into digestible bits. It’s not just about products, it’s about critical thinking.
A Tangent: The Time I Met a Senator
Okay, this is kinda off topic, but hear me out. About five years ago, I met a senator at a dinner party. Let’s call him Senator Smith. He told me, “The media is the enemy of the people.” And I laughed in his face. Not my finest moment, but honestly, I couldn’t help it. He wasn’t kidding. That’s when I realized how deep the misinformation goes.
But I digress. The point is, you gotta be careful. Not everyone is telling the truth. And not everyone has your best interests at heart.
Why I’m Optimistic
Despite all the craziness, I’m optimistic. Why? Because people are waking up. They’re asking questions. They’re demanding better. And that’s a good thing.
I was at a panel discussion last month—it was at the National Theater, if you know where that is. A young journalist stood up and said, “We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard.” And the room erupted in applause. It was a small moment, but it meant alot.
So, yeah. The news landscape is a mess. But it’s not hopeless. Not by a long shot.
Anyway, that’s enough from me. I gotta run. My cat’s been physicaly attacking my legs for the past 10 minutes, and I think it’s time to address that.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years. She’s worked for major publications in the US and Asia, and she’s not afraid to say what she thinks. When she’s not editing, she’s probably arguing about politics or petting her cat, Whiskers.
