Compassion in Journalism

A Reflection on Joseph Smith’s Words

Journalism is often seen as a profession rooted in objectivity, reporting facts, investigating truth, and holding power accountable. Yet, at its core, news writing is also a deeply human endeavor, one that requires a keen understanding of the people affected by the stories told. Joseph Smith’s quote about kindness and mercy offers an unexpected but profound lens through which we can view the role of journalism in today’s world.

Smith describes how even small gestures of kindness have a powerful influence on the human mind, reinforcing the idea that proximity to empathy, whether in faith or in daily life, changes the way we see others. This directly translates to how journalists engage with storytelling. The best reporting does not simply relay information; it contextualizes, humanizes, and fosters understanding. Writers and reporters who approach their subjects with compassion, not by diluting the truth but by considering the real lives involved, create stories that resonate beyond cold headlines.

Moreover, Smith’s words about carrying the burdens of others reflect a journalist’s duty to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. Ethical journalism does not merely expose wrongdoing; it seeks justice, pushes for accountability, and ensures that communities receive the awareness they deserve. When news writers take on stories about marginalized groups, societal struggles, or systemic injustices, they are, in a sense, embodying Smith’s idea of carrying perishing souls upon their shoulders, acknowledging hardship, and striving for fairness.

Of course, journalism must strike a balance between compassion and responsibility. A news writer’s role is not to shield wrongdoing out of mercy, but to present stories with integrity and depth. Mercy, in this sense, is about fairness, giving subjects the dignity of accurate representation and avoiding sensationalism or exploitation. It means prioritizing truth while recognizing that how a story is told can influence public perception and action.

In a world where news can sometimes feel divisive, impersonal, or harsh, perhaps the best journalists are those who embody Smith’s call for mercy, not in withholding truth, but in fostering humanity through storytelling. News writing, at its best, does not just inform, it connects, challenges, and ultimately strengthens our collective understanding.