Reviving True Journalistic Standards: Empowering Informed Journalism Consumers
Journalism serves as the cornerstone of a democratic society, providing a platform for the public to scrutinize governmental and corporate actions. However, the prevalence of biased reporting has eroded public trust in media outlets. This article outlines the impact of bias, both deliberate and subtle, on journalism and provides actionable steps for consumers to play an active role in reviving true journalistic standards.
The Harm of Bias in Journalism
Journalistic bias manifests in two primary ways: telling outright lies and selecting which stories to cover and how much coverage they get. These practices undermine the integrity of news reporting and distort the public perception of events and issues.
Telling outright lies is relatively rare in mainstream media, with notable exceptions like FOX News. Nonetheless, when caught, mainline media organizations quickly issue retractions and, if necessary, fire the offending employees. On the other hand, many right-wing news sites, including InfoWars, thrive on spreading misinformation, which is a more pervasive and insidious form of bias.
Choosing What to Report
The selection of stories and their coverage is an inevitable part of journalism. Editors and reporters often face the difficult task of deciding what to cover and to what extent. Matters such as transgender youth assaults and drag queens performing for children illustrate the subjective nature of editorial choices.
The prioritization of certain stories over others influences public perception and can shape societal attitudes. This subjective process leaves a significant margin for bias, which can either amplify or ignore certain issues depending on the perspective of the news organization.
Empowering News Consumers
To address the problem of bias in journalism, it is crucial for consumers to take an active role in their news consumption. Here are some steps you can take:
Stop Watching Infotainment
Avoid consuming news that masquerades as entertainment. Media outlets that focus on infotainment rather than substance often report news with a skewed perspective. If enough people stop watching this type of content, it will become less prevalent. For genuine news, there are numerous reliable sources available that offer in-depth and unbiased reporting. These sources can be accessed through reading or watching, allowing you to form your own opinions based on a variety of credible sources.
Take Personal Responsibility
Consumers must take responsibility for the news they choose to consume. Many unbiased news sources are readily available, providing coverage of major national stories in a matter of minutes each day. Instead of passively accepting the narrative presented by any single news outlet, it is imperative to engage critically with the information available. This involves reading or watching different sources, analyzing the information, and sorting out conflicting viewpoints. By doing so, you can ensure that you are making informed and well-rounded decisions.
Restoring Balance to the News Landscape
The media landscape is dominated by a small number of corporations that often tilt their coverage toward a leftward political bias. While FOX News provides a counterpoint to this bias, the majority of mainstream media leans left. This imbalance impacts the political spectrum and contributes to the perception that right-leaning media is controlled by enemies of the state. It is this sentiment that has fueled support for certain political figures, such as President Trump, who is perceived as the only leader capable of countering the alleged corruption in government.
Conclusion
Reviving true journalistic standards requires a concerted effort from both journalists and news consumers. By actively seeking out and engaging with unbiased news sources, and by taking responsibility for the information we consume, we can ensure that journalism remains a vital and trustworthy tool for informing and engaging the public. Empowering ourselves as consumers is the first step in combatting bias and restoring the integrity of the news we rely on.