* Objectivity: News articles strive for objectivity. Using "I" or "we" can inject personal opinions or biases, undermining the article's credibility.
* Focus on the story: News articles focus on the event or subject, not the reporter's personal experiences. Using first person can shift the attention from the story to the reporter.
* Professional distance: Maintaining a professional distance between the reporter and the subject helps ensure that the reporting is impartial and unbiased.
Exceptions:
* Opinion pieces or columns: These pieces are explicitly about the writer's perspective and may use first person.
* Feature stories: Some feature stories might benefit from using first person, particularly if the reporter is directly involved in the story or is providing personal observations.
* Investigative reporting: In rare cases, investigative reporters might use first person if they are deeply involved in a story and their personal experiences are relevant to the investigation.
Alternatives to First Person:
* Third-person narration: The most common style in news writing, using "he," "she," "they," or the name of the person.
* Passive voice: Can be used to focus on the action rather than the actor, e.g., "The suspect was arrested."
* Direct quotes: Quotes from sources can provide personal perspectives without the reporter using first person.
In summary: While there are exceptions, using first person in a newspaper article is generally avoided to maintain objectivity, focus on the story, and uphold journalistic standards.