I
read your recent editorial where you took umbrage on the attacks
against the news media for either being biased or not doing enough to
report on certain stories. You were defensive but should not have been
for the mainstream media is biased.
The
major networks, national newspapers and cable channels are guilty of
promoting the political views of those in power (or wish to be in
power). They no longer play the role of the "watchdog" for they have
ceded their independence and journalistic objectivity in return for
privileged access and profits. CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times and The
Washington Post are fawning sycophants of Democrats. Fox News is the
loyal town crier for President-elect Trump.
Biases
in print and electronic media are in full display. Discerning readers
need only observe the wording of headlines, inclusion of opinions in
news stories and slanted themes of editorials. TV viewers need only
observe the near pep rally atmosphere for specific candidates and
causes.
The
biased advocacy of the media contributes mightily to the polarization
of society today. Progressives find a "safe zone" by reading The New
York Times and The Washington Post and watching MSNBC and CNN.
Conservatives find refuge in The Wall Street Journal, Fox News and talk
radio. Polarization is the result.
If
people lose trust in these polarizing milieus, they seek out
alternative sources of news or just tune out. An increasing number of
Americans are doing so.
The
mainstream media needs to look inward before pointing fingers outward.
They are indeed biased and are a major contributor to the polarization
in America today. They profit from being biased for it allows them to
attract a larger share-of-mind from your target audience and earn more
revenue.
Mark Paulson
Buffalo Grove
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