The Role of Primetime Cable TV Opinion Hosts in America’s Divide

Is the divide in America largely caused by primetime cable TV opinion hosts? While the argument has been made that these hosts are amplifying existing divisions, this article delves into the deeper causes and the role of broader media practices, including the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine.

Introduction to the Debate

There seems to be a growing consensus that broadcasting media, particularly opinion-driven programs on prime time cable TV, is contributing to the divide in America. However, attributing this solely to these hosts is an oversimplification. People are divided due to multiple factors, not just the content of specific TV shows.

For instance, blaming a band or singer when a fan commits suicide is an analogous argument. Responsibility should be shared by societal influences, individual beliefs, and the broader cultural context. The media, like TV opinion hosts, is just one of the many elements that interact to shape public opinion and, in turn, societal divisions.

Impact of Misinformation

However, this does not mean that the role of TV opinion hosts should be completely dismissed. Channels like FOX News, OANN, and MAX NEWS significantly contributed to inflamed, encouraged, and promoted misinformation for profit. They played a crucial role in promoting fear and blame, contributing to a hostile informational environment.

These networks used sensationalism and fear to make a significant profit, often at the expense of factual accuracy. They spew any content that keeps the audience afraid and blaming others for their troubles. This behavior is, in my opinion, shameful and pathetic.

Impact on Major Newspapers

No major newspapers like The Washington Post and The New York Times are immune to these issues either. In fact, they have inadvertently compounded the problem by creating a polarized media landscape.

Prior to President Reagan's decision to revoke the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, the mandate of American television news was clear: to report news and provide information. The repeal of the doctrine changed the landscape, paving the way for Fox News and other networks to focus on entertainment value rather than factual reporting.

With the rise of opinion-driven programming, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between evidence and opinion in the formation of American viewpoints. Many individuals do not understand that the internet is a medium for gaining information rather than a source of information itself, leading to a further blurring of the lines between fact and fiction.

Conclusion

While the role of primetime cable TV opinion hosts in fomenting division should not be overstated, they do contribute significantly to the current polarized media environment. The impact of the Fairness Doctrine's repeal and the change in media priorities cannot be ignored. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including increased accountability for misinformation and a return to a media landscape focused on accurate and balanced reporting.