In the past you have heard me lament about the passing of journalistic integrity in this country. Regardless if it is in print form, television, radio, or the Internet, I no longer see any evidence that journalism involves the compilation of hard facts in such a manner as to allow the reader to arrive at his/her own conclusions. Instead, everything is being spun because the media no longer believes the people are smart enough to arrive at the proper conclusion. Editorials are one thing, hard facts are another. Every story, large or small, international or local, is now being spun in such a way as to manipulate the minds of the masses. I do not believe state run propaganda a la Josef Goebbels in Nazi Germany could be more effective at swaying public opinion.
"But Tim, you express your opinions all the time." That's right, but I am not a journalist either, nor am I paid to be.
It is becoming even more apparent there is an incestuous relationship between our politicians and the media. To illustrate, I recently attended a local forum for the purpose of watching county politicians debate key issues. This particular group is an amalgamation of politicians and members of the local media, the purpose of which is to discuss pertinent political subjects of the day. Frankly, it appeared to be an extremely cozy relationship between the two groups, perhaps too cozy. During the course of the debate, questions were asked from the floor. It didn't take long to determine which candidate the press favored over the others. Whereas the others were given difficult questions to answer (with a little vicious sniping thrown in for good measure), the "chosen one" was given softball-like questions which he could easily knock out of the park, resulting in a round of applause from the audience denoting their approval. This wasn't simply a matter of a partisan politics; it was the media throwing its support behind its favored candidate. It was all a setup.
Interestingly, when the candidates were asked the question, "Do you think you've been treated fairly by the press?" All but the "chosen one" responded with an emphatic, "NO!"
Somehow the rapport between the politicians and the press was reminiscent of that seen at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) held in April where a comedian lampoons the President and other notable politicians. At this meeting, it is obvious who the media favors and who they are determined to take down. I don't believe The National Press Club is much different.
It is truly remarkable how consistent and predictable these groups run. It seems to be more by design as opposed to accident. It's easy to become paranoid and imagine clandestine meetings where the power brokers of the press determine who they will support, who should be put on a hit list, and what tactics they'll use to get their way. It would be kind of like the Mafia boardroom meetings we saw in the movie, "The Godfather." I just want to know who the Don Corleone of the press corp is.
It is somewhat disturbing there is no longer a place where you can get unbiased reporting of news anymore. This means American journalism has lost the public trust and, frankly, it does not seem to really bother them. Everything is done to suit a political agenda of some kind. This goes well beyond government and political reporting and now touches on all forms of writing, including scientific journals.
The reporters and newspapermen of the twentieth century would be spinning in their graves if they knew journalistic integrity was dead. In all likelihood though, they're sleeping with the fishes.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
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Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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