Liberal Logic 76 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Logical Liberal Wrote:
>
> > I agree with your sentiment, and that expressed
> by
> > others. In Fairfax, I don't think it will ever
> be
> > much of an issue, but many of the places that I
> > work are not so even-tempered.
> >
> > To do what I feel is "right" would go far
> beyond
> > talking, though. I've often thought that
> > "Liberals" would never tolerate the sort of
> > behavior from their news sources that Fox
> engages
> > in regularly. But here we are, and my theory
> is
> > being put to the test - so far, I'm exceedingly
> > disappointed.
> >
> > CNN has an article now:
> > "Why this verdict? Five things that led to
> > Zimmerman's acquittal"
> >
>
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/14/us/zimmerman-why-thi
>
> > s-verdict/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
> >
> > To paraphrase:
> >
> > 1) The prosecution failed
> > 2) There wasn't much evidence, and the rain
> > damaged what there was
> > 3) Rachel Jeantel was a poor witness
> > 4) The voice on the tape couldn't be positively
> > identified
> > 5) Zimmerman may have told the truth, or he may
> be
> > a pathological liar
> >
> > And yes, they end on the "pathological liar"
> note,
> > placing those two words among the last four of
> the
> > article.
>
> Its truly pathetic what passes as "news" these
> days when the liberal media is trying to push
> their agenda.
>
> They should have ended with an apology for pushing
> for a trial of someone when all evidence pointed
> to self defense and everyone who investigated the
> issue believed he acted in self defense. Of
> course that didnt matter to the media who saw an
> opportunity to push an ideological agenda.
>
> Sadly you are right though, a lot of liberals
> arent interested in hearing factually based news
> from their news sources they just want
> reassurances about their view point.
Trying to ignore the partisan jab, I'd point out that Fox is much more notorious for this, and I have never once heard a Conservative complain about it or admit that the network was wrong.
I think you should also keep in mind that Liberals don't actually consider "everything other than Fox" to be "Liberal Media", though I do understand why - right or wrong - the perception exists.
Recognizing the problem, what can we, as responsible citizens on either "side" do?
I've searched, and I haven't found a single group that I believe is effectively - or even actively - working to restore ethics in journalism. If I could find one, I'd support them, but how could they gain traction without media attention?
I really believe that today's media feels more obligated to advertisers (ratings, and avoiding offense) than to the viewers they once informed. They are all owned by publicly-traded companies, so this result was probably inevitable. And with the polarization of politics seemingly at an all-time high, is there really a solution for this self-reinforcing spiral where objective reporting is just one of the victims?
I also wonder if the majority of Americans have any real interest in balanced journalism anymore. I was advised once to always follow at least one source with which I generally disagreed - it's advice that I strongly agree with, since it encourages objective and critical thinking, and gives insight to the "other side's" arguments, but I'll admit that over time, I've put less effort into this myself - how can I even hope that others would do this?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/15/2013 07:23AM by Logical Liberal.