WhatsappWhat ever happened to the good old days when Walter Cronkite and other news anchors presented the news and did everything they could to avoid giving their commentary to the news? Those days are long gone. Today, we live in an age of politicized media- where you already know the viewpoints of the channel and the reporter before they open their mouth on any political issue. So, when CNN makes a positive step in the right direction, it’s a welcome step, but still just an aberration. The norm is completely slanted – usually to the left, but sometimes to the right also.
Ratings Have Taken Over
Back in the 70’s and 80’s ratings were very important too. But, there was a given that ratings will be a function of the quality of the reporting, and not due to the slant of the reporting. Today, most media channels are clearly slanted to the left or occasionally to the right. Anchors are then hired based on an assessment of how well they will serve the slants of the network executives and owners. This is a case of ratings gone mad coupled with misplaced ideological social engineering. Before one turns on the television or cable, they should not know that the CNN channel will almost always come out with some anti-Trump news item, and vice-versa for Fox News. The idea of impartiality needs to be restored. This can indeed happen. It will happen when one network reaches the conclusion that they can win the ratings war based on quality reporting and without a specific slant. This can happen, but it will take a lot of money from someone who does not have a specific political slant – just a passion for honest and fairness.
CNN and Fox News changed the media landscape in a matter of two decades. This change will take time too, but it can be done in less than one decade. The byline should not be about being fair or balanced. It should focus on honesty and – just the facts….
