On Responsibility Of The Media

Written By: Erik Stryder

Editor: Nigel Woodford

We begin each day inundated by the political pontifications of an irresponsible media that reports as many issues as it creates. The news cycle continues, deadlines are met, and sensationalism and misinformation is churned out, designed to be digested by a public presumed to have attention spans and I.Q.s comparable to gnats. Often, the intelligence of the public is not insulted. It is completely disregarded.

The mindless speculation of a group of people attaching themselves to issues or events that, as often as not, have no relevance, make it virtually impossible for the government to do its job effectively. It becomes necessary for government to put on the brakes, pull over, and address issues conjured up by the media in order to generate ratings for television/radio or higher circulation for periodicals.

It could be argued that it is the responsibility of a diligent media to address all issues, that the public has a right to know. Would that this were true. The fact of the matter is that the media could not care less about issues. If a legitimate issue presents itself and germane facts are reported, it is a wonderful news day for readers and viewers alike. If not, sensationalism will suffice.

Sensationalism manifests itself in many forms, which brings us to the total disregard of the intelligence of the public. Sensationalism frequently employs bottom-feeding tactics such as character assassination or an appeal to fear, prejudice, or disgust, generally sucking people into the Springer vortex.

There was a time when the media respected the privacy of public figures, when quality news sources would not lower themselves to impugning the honor and character of Presidents, Congressmen and the judiciary. Presently, this type of journalism is as common as sand, and sensationalism is the order of the day.

In the not so distant past, what is now referred to as sensationalism was called muckraking or yellow journalism. Unfortunately, the appeal to the lowest common denominator sells more newspapers and cultivates higher ratings than legitimate journalism does. The tabloid aspect of journalism and the public demand for it has brought us to a place that requires better news sources to indulge this practice to compete in the media market. The reader is as responsible as the media in this regard, for if the people would not buy into shameful journalism practices, then there would be no market for it.

The media and the people have a responsibility to each other. Media is responsible for informing the public of the relevant facts that impact their everyday lives. The people are responsible for holding the media to a higher standard by refusing to indulge contemptible journalism. A symbiotic relationship is required in order to raise ourselves to the level of journalistic integrity envisioned by the founding fathers who gave us this freedom that we have come to take for granted.

This is our mission statement. Our intent is to raise the bar in journalism. We hope others will follow our example, restoring integrity and quality to a faltering profession.