Ask the Editor: “Sensational facts, understated prose”

MYRNA BROWN, HOST: Today is Friday, May 3rd. Good morning! This is The World and Everything in It from listener-supported WORLD Radio. I’m Myrna Brown.

NICK EICHER, HOST: And I’m Nick Eicher.

First Friday in the month means “Ask the Editor.” Today, a listener on the difference between journalism that discourages and journalism that builds up. But first, a stylebook change. Here’s WORLD Radio executive producer Paul Butler.

PAUL BUTLER: A year ago I told you in this space that our Editorial Council agreed that we would limit the use of the term “progressive” across our platforms. Limit, not prohibit—as sometimes we need to use the term as a shorthand ID of a position or worldview. But we always strive for more description and less labeling.

Over the last year we’ve seen the term more widely used in our culture, especially in politics. So a few weeks ago the Editorial Council amended that policy once more. We recognize that so-called progressives are not hiding behind the nebulous term. They are not trying to replace a negative descriptor with one that seems less objectionable. When someone today calls himself a “progressive,” he almost always does so proudly: declaring a commitment to overthrow convention and tradition.

We will still be intentional in how we use the term and how often. We will work with our editors and producers to be consistent in how we use it. But I did want you to alert you to the change so that you are not surprised if you hear it or read it here at WORLD.

Now a note that came in last month from a listener in Phoenix, Arizona. She told us that she was coming out of a particularly stressful and painful time that has left her discouraged. Yet she says that she’s been encouraged as she listens to The World and Everything in It. Even when some of the topics we have to cover are not particularly uplifting. Here’s what she writes:

“I think the difference is that your reporting is just that. Reporting. Relaying what has happened without added opinions or anything else. There's a peace that seems to be with your news.

I just want to say how much I appreciate all of you. That you share God's truth and that you have the ability to share news without adding drama and fear.”

I’m so glad to hear it. That’s exactly what we’re trying to do. We want to shine light, not just generate heat. We have a motto that we like to use around here: “sensational facts, understated prose.” Flames that illuminate, not conflagrate.

Way too much modern journalism wants to burn things down. It emphasizes the fury of the world but often signifies nothing. Sensationalism doesn’t point people to God. There are times when we have to raise our voice in order to wake people up to what’s at stake, but when we do we try to do it in a way that points to the one who holds the world and everything it contains in the palm of His hand.

Our listener ended her note thanking us for the closing Scripture each day. Some have wondered how we choose those. The selections come from an ESV reading plan. And it’s amazing how often God will have just the right verse to respond to some of the craziness of the world we’ve had to cover in a particular program.

It’s our prayer that as we end each day that God has the last word.

I’m Paul Butler.

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