> How is the word improbable, preventing unprejudiced consideration?
It expresses the opinion of the reporter. In my journalism class, the use of such a word would get you a zero.
In REAL journalism, the reporter is allowed to report the opinions of others, but must keep his own opinions out of the story.
And truly balanced reporting would try to counter-balance opinions expressed.
For example, at an accident scene, the reporter may express the opinion of one of the officers at the scene regarding the cause of the accident. However, the reporter should seek the opinion of another witness that balances or even opposes what the officer said. Readers are left to make up their own minds.
The reporter’s job is to provide information, and in as balanced a manner as possible. Not to express his opinions.
What would you say instead, if you thought something from history was improbable? Would you say it happened, or didn’t happen? Or would you qualify your statement somehow?