Final answer:
Editorializing means expressing personal opinions in reporting, which can undermine journalistic integrity if present in hard news articles. Hard news should be unbiased and fact-driven to maintain trust and provide accurate information to the audience. Avoiding editorializing preserves the essential separation between news and opinion in media.
Step-by-step explanation:
Editorializing refers to the expression of personal opinions or biases in reporting, rather than just the facts. In the context of hard news articles, which are meant to provide straightforward information about events or issues, it is important to avoid editorializing so as to maintain journalistic integrity and trust with the audience. Editorializing can mislead the reader by presenting the writer's personal views as if they were objective truths, which can erode the reliability of the news source.
In today's media landscape, the distinction between fact-driven journalism and opinionated content is increasingly important. Hard news articles should prioritize accuracy and impartiality, offering balanced coverage without the influence of the writer's personal opinions. This distinction is crucial in preserving the public's trust in media outlets to deliver unbiased information. Therefore, avoiding editorializing is not just a matter of professional ethics; it also maintains the core values of journalism as a service to the public.