Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

As a former political analyst, media specialist and failed athlete, I read with great interest David A. Tizzard’s recent commentary mourning the loss of objectivity in journalism and politics (“Korean politics: Where did we go wrong?”). The claim that “We get sports right, but not politics” relies on selective observation and a romanticized view of both journalism and sports commentary.

Tizzard asks: “So why do we demand objectivity in sports but accept pure subjectivity in politics?” I am not sure if he is right about this issue related to Korea, but I will add a mainly American perspective.

Let’s start with Stephen A. Smith. A journalist turned pundit, he is known more for his passionate rants than calm, analytical breakdowns. He just signed a five-year, $100 million contract, getting paid more for talking about what others are actually doing. His brand is built on opinion, provocation and emotional intensity. Sports journalism at the highest levels is fueled by bias, exaggeration and tribal loyalty. Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd and countless others draw audiences by leaning into their biases.

Flip through local team broadcasts and you’ll get two completely different versions of the same game. The hometown announcers grudgingly admit when players on their teams are at fault. Calls that are obvious fouls on one station are terrible officiating on the other. Arguments among sports commentators — many of whom are current or former journalists — are much more heated than political arguments. Even national announcers who try to present both sides often get denounced for being........

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