BS. That is a self-serving myth dished up by the press for its own benefit. Anybody who trusts the press is a fool.
When the stakes are high, people are encouraged to get second opinions from doctors, lawyers, and engineers; lines of work that implicate substantially more skill and trust than "reporting observations and statements."
These days, a report from the press is more likely to be false than to be true. "Sacred trust" my ass.
If you want to see something amazing about journalism visit the LBJ library in Austin, TX.
They have a room there that is a replica of the oval office at the time.
What is most stunning about it is the three television sets on the right side of the room—one for ABC, one for CBS, one for NBC.
It was obvious that LBJ was fanatical about controlling/monitoring what was said on those three networks.
He understand that journalism was “not” a sacred trust. It was a powerful propaganda platform that could make or break him.
Fortunately those days are gone, and the plutocrats who own and run the major media are losing their power.
“Journalism” is as “sacred” as the Aztec sacrifices of children to the Gods—and it belongs in the dustbin of history with them.
CBoldt, you and Ciaphus Cain appear to agree more than you actually disagree.
His (assuming he’s a “he”) point is that in order to do the job right, it absolutely MUST be a “sacred trust”. But the media today - especially TV - treats their profession as an extension of politics, rather than a presentation of truth.
Just my opinion, of course.