It's Time for the Media to Stop Mincing Words

Journalists covering global events face a constant buzzing in the ear: what words to use when there's a narrative dispute. The issue is ever more acute in our frenzied era of societal polarization, entitled grievance politics, and never-ending spin—like efforts to brand an invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation."

When you cannot please everyone, should you try to please no one—or just make a call? What if that looks like you're taking a side? Must one always be impartial? After all, one reporter's fairness is a reader's false...