The Degradation of News Media: From Factual Reporting to Opinion and Rumor Mills
Introduction
The evolution of news media over the past century has arguably become a devolution, shifting from a straightforward recitation of facts towards entertainment-driven content. This article delves into the current state of news broadcasting, particularly the transformation of channels like CNBC, Fox News, and CNN, into rumor mills and platforms for opinions, rather than merely reporting factual news. The question arises: Is the public truly concerned about biased opinions and the so-called expert analysis provided by media personalities?
The Evolution of News Media
News media has evolved (or devolved) through various stages. According to the passage, the first iteration of news media, like Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), focuses on relaying facts of what happened, who it happened to, when, and where. This is a dry recitation of facts.
The second iteration sees news media analyzing the how and why of events, often relying on experts, but these experts are frequently uninformed or former experts who are out of touch. Channels like CNBC, Fox News, and CNN have largely moved to this stage, as evidenced by their frequent speculative reporting and analysis.
The third iteration involves predicting what will happen, often based on the opinions of pundits. This gives audiences a feeling of contentment and superiority, as they can feel they are making informed predictions about the future.
The fourth iteration is marked by opinion journalism, where media personalities lecture decision-makers on what they should do, often from the safety of their studios. This can be seen in shows like Frontline and Faux Noise, and is driven by the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where media personalities and decision-makers engage in a heated sparring match.
Ownership and Bias
The question posed by the author is: That would be Time Warner in 1978. He changed news to a rating system instead of an unbiased news source. Now news is about getting viewers. This highlights a significant shift from objective reporting to entertainment-driven content. Registered entertainment companies like CNN, CNBC, and Fox News focus more on attracting viewers than providing accurate and unbiased information.
Ownership plays a crucial role in this transformation. Media conglomerates like the Murdoch family, with their international background, often have a different understanding of American preferences. Fox News, in particular, under the control of the Murdoch family, has been widely criticized for its biased reporting and lack of journalistic integrity. The passage suggests that these media outlets are part of a larger propaganda machine controlled by individuals connected to deep state interests.
Conclusion
News media has significantly devolved from its original purpose of delivering unbiased facts to a state where it often serves as a platform for opinion and speculation. The shift from dry, factual reporting to opinion journalism and rumor-mills is concerning, as it diminishes the trust in media sources and can lead to misinformation. The question remains: in an era of biased opinions and entertainment-driven news, are audiences truly getting the facts they need?