Posted on 12/29/2006 5:53:10 AM PST by conservatism_IS_compassion
Yesterday I saw a panel discussion on "the media." The panel included Helen Thomas, and my rumination on her response to a question inspired this post. The question was, "What is wrong with the press?" Helen Thomas' predictable reply was that the press had been too shy about opposing the Bush Administration on its preinvasion claims that Saddam had a WMD program. And of course there was some cheering, and no jeering, heard from the audience.
What is wrong with the press? What is wrong with the press is planted in the very question itself. What is wrong with Big Journalism is the fact that it even exists as an entity to be critiqued. In principle "the press" is not an entity but many diverse and contentious people publishing their opinions.
There is nothing wrong with the blogosphere; it is us. That means that it is venal and spiritual, earnest and frivolous, high minded and corrupt. The blogosphere is most of the press. Movies are also "the press," and so are books. Wherever the people may publish their opinions using their own money and no government supervision, that is part of "the press."
"The press" is not objective. It doesn't have to be, and it cannot be. "The press" is diverse; indeed the press is diversity - it cannot be objective, any more than it can be of any one particular opinion. In styling itself "the press," Big Journalism arrogantly conflates its opinion - which actually is defined by its own self interest as purveyors of nothing but data and opinion - with the diffuse interest of the public.
The wisest and most cautious of us all frequently gives credit to stories which he himself is afterwards both ashamed and astonished that he could possibly think of believing . . . It is acquired wisdom and experience only that teach incredulity, and they very seldom teach it enough. - Adam Smith
Half the truth is often a great lie. - Benjamin Franklin
Ping
My hat's off to other, more noble, FReepers who provide the spiritual, earnest and high-minded commentary.
It is amazing, though, how they view themselves. It's like they are the Vicar of Christ.
The Stone Age Press write stories for each other so they have to slant it towards the Rats and attack Republicans. That is the only way their overinflated egos are satisfied.
Pray for W and Our Troops
What is wrong with the press?
They've gotten lazy. Or, maybe being charitable, they no longer have the resources to do quality journalism.
Most reporters simply push "facts" into "template" and then rush the story to print. This is the course of least resistance... they know their editor will like the formula story, and the editor doesn't like any more effort on a story than is necessary. The editor figures that the formula story has "always sold" so therefore it will sell again.
There are exceptions of course, but I've just covered 95% of the news stories that I see and hear.
Fortunately, the MSM has run into people who don't need to stick to a formula, don't have an editor trying to crank out content with the least amount of effort, and are well-trained in spotting biased formulas.
"It is amazing, though, how they view themselves. It's like they are the Vicar of Christ."
That was such a small mention in the article, and yet, you pull it out and highlight it with your own spin. Have an axe to grind?
"What's wrong with the press?" is that they have chosen sides. Much like the justice system the press should be neutral in its pursuit of truth.
I watched it too. Hlen insisting that whe and others write 'the truth'...It was interesting.
"Oops! The use of "they" means the MSM, not FReepers."
Doh! That's how I took it. Nevermind my other post. :)
"What is wrong with the press?"
For a much shorter answer try asking the question, " What is RIGHT with the press " !!!
BTTT
Manufactured hysteria & socialist bias - that's whats wrong with the press.
What's RIGHT with the press?
Bump! The problem with the press is that it lies and it's mostly stupid.
What wrong with the Press?
I would say helen thomas is a walking advertisement for what is wrong with the Press.
The Press isnt there to make their lifes work a partisan effort to criticise anything done by an administration they dont agree with.
The Press is supposed to report what is happening fairly and unbiased.
Helen Thomas is anything BUT fair and unbiased.
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