For it to be true that the media is truly in control of our destiny would require evidence that they have actually retained their once-powerful ability to persuade-that their credibility remains intact, in this day and time.
At least in recent times, there’s some evidence that the liberal media has little sway on elections.
The establishment media, the liberal education establishment and Hollywood shilled for each and every Democrat candidate in municipal, state, congressional, and gubernatorial elections in the run-up to the 2010 mid-terms. Did they really have an effect? The bottom line is that the electorate simply ignored them, went to the polls and handed the media-endorsed candidates a monumental defeat. Across the land. Is this not evidence that the vaunted media has perhaps lost its mojo?
The Wisconsin recall is another case in point.
Media credibility has perhaps not been lost, but clearly has been damaged. More importantly, we can now see that the lib media has come to care not a whit about credibility going forward. They are betting the farm on their relevance, and may lose that bet.
For many Americans there’s a feeling that they were sold a bill of goods in Barack Obama. Evidence? See above. With them, I believe the media is getting more and more of the blame. Nightly reports are being viewed now with a skepticism never before seen. More evidence? The massive switch of independent voters from Obama to Romney.
Polling firms have the same overwhelming need for relevance at the expense of credibility that the lib media do. To remain relevant, they must do the bidding of the liberal media.
If we continue to pay more heed to the seeds the media plants, instead of the crops they reap, then we will be in a constant state of demoralization.
It is true we have talk radio, plus they don't always win.
It is also true if it weren't for the MSM journolists I don't think Bambi would even get 40% of the vote. That's a lot of power.
It's not necessary for them to persuade us.
They can influence us more by what they choose not to report - no persuasion necessary.
You are an excellent writer. Your post is evidence of your intelligence and superb command of the English language. Very interesting points you raised. I read your post and felt better. Thanks for a positive, informative, and well written post.
“At least in recent times, there’s some evidence that the liberal media has little sway on elections.”
They had sway, which is why winning was so difficult. Just because some conservatives candidate won doesn’t mean it was easy. Also, that others that lost shouldn’t have lost. The media has a dramatic effect.