Skeptical or Cynical?
I had lunch today with Kevin Smith, the new executive director of the Clinton County (IN) Chamber of Commerce. Our conversation touched on several topics relating to politics and the responsibility that a newspaper has to its local community. Kevin brings a unique perspective to this discussion that draws upon his past experience as the mayor of Anderson, IN and the relationship that he had with the local newspaper and how it was influenced either good or bad based on the philosophy of the newspaper management. When the management changed, so did the relationship.
Listening to Kevin share his experience made me think about how my news and management staff interacts with our local community (citizens as well as politicians). Are we approaching each news story in such a way that we are open to where the facts lead us or are we tackling the news gathering process with an opinion/slant already formed and then writing the story to fit our preconceived notions?
Recently, I had a conversation with one of my employees after he made the comment that it is our job to be cynical. I had to correct him by telling him it is a reporters job to be skeptical not cynical. You might be asking as he did – what’s the difference?
Well, there’s a huge difference.
A skeptical reporter doesn’t take someone’s word without facts. They listen to what they are being told but then follow the facts in their reporting with the understanding that if a claim is a made it should be able to be verified by another source. Simply put, they ask questions.
A cynical reporter approaches the same story but instead of following the facts, they make the assumption that the facts have been altered and can’t be trusted regardless of their ability to verify by another source. They always doubt the motives of others while expecting the worst in human nature.
A skeptical reporter is fulfilling their obligation to the reader while a cynical reporter is letting the reader down by allowing their own opinion and prejudice influence their reporting.
Unfortunately, the warped cynical outlook doesn’t only afflict the news media it can also influence the way we all look at things in our daily lives. If left unchecked it can lead to a very slanted outlook that causes poor decisions to be made.
Next time you find yourself not trusting those around you ask yourself this simple question – am I being skeptical or am I cynical? Knowing the difference may help your outlook on life.
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Terry Ward 
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