The Dance of Politics and Media: A Reflection from the Pride Parade

As managing editors of news media outlets, we often find ourselves walking a tightrope between personal beliefs and professional duties in the dance of politics and media. Today, I found myself in the midst of this delicate balance as I donned an NDP shirt while taking photos for The Seeker at the Pride Parade. It was a colorful, joyous celebration of love and acceptance, and as I mingled with the crowd, I couldn’t help but ponder the ever-present conversation about politics, professionalism, and transparency in journalism.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: some may view my choice of attire as a conflict of interest. After all, journalists are traditionally seen as neutral observers, reporting facts without a hint of personal bias. But the reality is, each of us carries our own perspectives, shaped by our experiences, values, and yes, our political affiliations. To pretend otherwise is to ignore that we are only human.

It is no secret that many of us at The Seeker leans left. Those of us who are have always been upfront about our stance, advocating for social justice, equality, and progressive policies. This transparency is not just a branding strategy; it’s a commitment to authenticity. By being open about our views, we foster a relationship with our audience that is built on trust and honesty.

Some might argue that wearing my political leanings on my sleeve—quite literally in this case—undermines my professionalism. But I would counter that it does the opposite. It is precisely this transparency that sets us apart in an age where media mistrust is rampant. Rather than hiding behind a façade of neutrality, we are clear about our perspectives, allowing our readers to understand the context from which we report.

Today’s Pride Parade was a celebration of love, acceptance, and the ongoing fight for equality—values that align closely with the principles of the NDP. By wearing that shirt, I wasn’t just making a political statement; I was aligning myself with a cause that The Seeker has consistently supported. It was a visual representation of the ideals we champion in our articles and editorials.

Of course, this approach isn’t without its critics. Some will always see a blurred line between advocacy and journalism as problematic. But I believe that in being open about our leanings, we empower our readers to engage with our content critically. They know where we stand and can evaluate our work with that understanding in mind.

So there I was, amidst the rainbow flags and the cheers, snapping photos and feeling a profound sense of connection to the community. It was more than just an assignment; it was a reminder of why we do what we do at The Seeker. We believe in the power of storytelling, in the importance of giving voice to those who are often marginalized, and in standing up for what we believe is right.

My NDP shirt was not just a piece of clothing. It was a symbol of the values we at The Seeker hold dear—values we believe in advocating for openly and unapologetically. And in doing so, we remain true to ourselves and our readers, fostering a community grounded in trust and mutual respect.

In the end, love is love; love is what makes us human, and we are ALL human, even the media. Today was a reminder that our work is not just about reporting the news; it’s about being part of the story, part of the movement, and part of the change we want to see in the world.

And for that, I am profoundly grateful.