Compassionate Reporting: Embracing Joseph Smith's Wisdom in News Writing

"When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what pow’r it has over my mind. … The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more are we dispos’d to look with compassion on perishing souls—[we feel that we want] to take them upon our shoulders and cast their sins behind our back… if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another.” - Joseph Smith

When writing news articles, one must remember this quote filled with compassion and empathy. News writers have the capability to report with kindness and understanding. By writing with this in mind, it portrays the story in a humanized way and can relay to your readers a more emotional story.

This quote speaks on the importance of unbiased writing. You are to deliver fair and unbiased information in your articles. It can be tempting to exaggerate whatever story you tell; however, fighting that temptation and speaking the truth is more important.

This quote calls on ethics in writing and being stronger than the natural man. We serve a higher God and have committed to following Him. That must be shown in all aspects of our lives - especially those that can affect others.