Peter Kann, the chairman of Dow Jones, writes an op-ed in today's Opinion Journal that puts a lot of what media critics complain about in today's journalism into perspective. He is not arguing for the press to be stifled. Rather he is pointing out what is wrong with it today. Mind you, if the press does not clean up some of its egregious behavior they will jeopardize that which they depend on: freedom of the press.
You'll be relieved to know that Jefferson did remain true to his primary principle: "The press," he concluded, "is an evil for which there is no remedy. Liberty depends upon freedom of the press and that cannot be limited without being lost." He was right then, and we are right now, to prefer a free press, however flawed, to any controlled alternative. Still, as we watched CNN flashing its pre-election logos each day–"Broken Borders," "Broken Government," "Broken Politics," Broken Everything–I can't help thinking the media, too, is in need of some mending.
At its best news informs and enlightens the citizens of a free society and thereby safeguards and strengthens our democracy. At its worst–dishonest, unfair, irresponsible–the media has potential to erode the public trust on which its own success depends and to corrode the democratic system of which it is so indispensably a part. So, let me touch on 10 current trends in the mass media that ought to disturb us.
….
The blurring of lines between news and opinion. Newspapers have a format that helps maintain the distinction. The Internet, TV and most magazines have neither that format nor that tradition. The result is a blending of news and views. The two are not ingredients to mix together for a tastier meal, they are different courses. Part of the problem here lies in fashionable new philosophies that argue there are no basic values of right and wrong, that news is merely a matter of views. It's a dangerous philosophy for our society and a dagger at the heart of genuine journalism.
….
The issue of conflict and context. On most issues most Americans are not on polar extremes. On abortion, for example, most seek a sensible center. Where is that center reflected in media coverage that mainly portrays rabid feminists or irate pro-life activists? Balance is not achieved by the talk show format of two extremists yelling at each other. And how many of us recognize our own communities from their depiction on local TV news shows–a nonstop montage of mayhem, murder, rape, arson, child molestation and more?
Obviously, there are eight more trends he discusses. What is important here is that the media seriously risks undercutting the public trust they must have to remain free. As Kann points out, most media today is owned by major corporations. So the David versus Goliath myth they perpetuate is quite false. They are not puny, brave reporters going after the giants of corporate America or uber-powerful politicians. Rather they are an even larger and more powerful corporation attacking lesser beings.
