Column: Independent press is no more
May 2, 2008
Hillary doing shots. Barack drinking orange juice. And do you know which one might or might not have given the other the finger?
If you really care, then you can fuck off, because you’re part of the problem.
The complete triviality of news coverage this election cycle is simply a continuation of the calcified culture of the traditional media. When I say traditional media, I am referring to the entrenched outlets from which we receive our news: broadcast and cable TV, radio and newspapers.
I have ceased watching the major cable networks, and watch the network news for the headlines. There are so few independent and ethical news outlets left that I fear for the health of our republic. FOX News seeks to scare and misinform us, while CNN and MSNBC try to make us comfortably numb with 24/7 dissection of not just the personal habits of politicians but also of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
I think everyone would agree with me when I say that a strong, independent press is essential if we want a true democracy. Unfortunately, the traditional media decided to drop the “strong and independent” bit somewhere along the way. You can’t claim to be strong when you barely question false pretexts for war, and you can’t claim to be independent when you constantly kowtow to politicians, or allow Bill Clinton’s former communications director, George Stephanopoulos, to moderate a debate between Sen. Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Obama, D-Ill.
The traditional media have abrogated their responsibility as the watchdogs of liberty. They have created a culture of hype and speculation, of division and distraction. The angry talking heads do nothing to inform voters and citizens of the substantive issues. They sit idly by while the government uses extralegal (and illegal) powers to violate the constitutional rights of Americans — and while the same administration passes laws that allow them to hold American citizens indefinitely without right of challenge or access to an attorney. Honestly, how many of you didn’t know about this until you read it here? I’d wager it’s a good number, and that’s a fucking crime.
Simply put, the traditional media can no longer be trusted. They have become vile and corrupt instruments of their owners, multinational communications corporations whose only interest is profit. Citizens cannot rely on the traditional media to do their duty. Where then, should we turn?
There is but one hope, and that is the so-called “new media.” These are mostly blogs, and they are independent and run on user-generated content. They are, without a doubt, the best place for independent news and analysis (with public TV and radio the last holdouts in the wasteland of traditional media) anywhere. And while there is a misconception that most blogs are liberal, they run the gamut from left (dailykos.com, mydd.com) to right (redstate.com). These Web sites are our only hope against the growing culture of disinformation and fear forced upon us by the traditional media. Let us not forget the glorious history of our nation. Let us not forget that we are heirs to the legacy of Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin. The future of American civil society and liberty is at stake. We have two choices, and the way lit by the lamps of the traditional media is the road to perdition.
More May 2, 2008 Outlook Stories
- Fraternity sponsors political debate — Because it is still primary season, most political debate has been between members of the same party. But on Tuesday ...
- U.S. Senate ends McCain citizenship debate — Any concern over whether Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was eligible to run for president was put to rest Wednesday in ...
- Independent press is no more — Hillary doing shots. Barack drinking orange juice. And do you know which one might or might not have given the ...
- Students aim to beautify downtown — More than 50 members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity helped with the project.
- Citizen Oversight Committee reviews data — In the first of a series of analytical meetings Thursday, the Citizen Oversight Committee reviewed several sets of data regarding ...
Most recent Outlook Stories
- Boone County voter registrations lag compared with 2004 — Missouri has just more than 4 million registrations so far this year.
- Fire Prevention Week urges citizens to prevent home fires — Firefighters teamed up with Domino's pizza to deliver smoke detectors and batteries.
- Free education is economic solution — I have a solution for our failing economy. Why don't we stop investing in Wall Street and start investing in ...
- MU professors and businessmen discuss economy, bailout — Panelists had a mix of optimism, concern about the future of the economy.
- Baker emphasizes revitalizing heath care, economy — The Democratic Rep. emphasizes her experience in the health care industry.