Media in the US probably is way too big and powerful. I insist that the Ivy League and wannabees teach this as part of a Postmodern, Anti-Enlightenment curriculum. Is its European- I think so. Capitalism is being abused.
PS: My poster boy, Keith Doberman is a Cornell grad. with an in your face attitude and its sounding like his Countdown is more a countdown to cultural Armageddon.
Criticism, of the government or of important private organizations, is patriotic when and only when that criticism is valid and in perspective.Unjustified or out-of-proportion criticism is mere gratuitious crying "Wolf!"--and not remotely "patriotic." Whatever else one might say of the idea that criticism is good in-and-of-itself, it most certainly serves the interest of those best postioned to profit by complaining.
Journalists, trial lawyers, and liberal politicians fit neatly into that category and are therefore special interests.
Why Broadcast Journalism is Unnecessary and Illegitimate