I don’t understand how “partisan media,” as you call them, or Fox “News” specifically, can LEGALLY spout innuendos, half-truths, and outright falsehoods. My naïve little brain thinks that is libelous and dangerous and incites violence like the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, and even endangers our democracy. The obvious example is the January 6, 2020, attempt to overthrow our government. I can’t reconcile the principles of honesty and decency with their lies.
Thanks for writing, Dave. I still believe in the pursuit of objectivity through rigorous journalism. Absolute objectivity is an impossible standard, but that doesn’t make partisan media the (easy) answer. The industry is going through another disruption, and I hope we can come out of it with business models that respect communities more than special interests.
There is a reason why journalism is a degree from truly accredited schools. Thank you for continuing to use yours for Iowans. The special interest group I saw in DSM last night at Franklin Jr. High was super scary, but then I reminded myself where I was, I had entered the Twilight Zone. Thanks for helping me get out of it. There is a two and a half hour video floating around of the whole event. If you all want a good scare get a hold of one and watch. My phone couldn't even handle the pressure so my videos are a bit choppy.
Well written. I'm in agreement with you on local news seeming less biased. The national networks, not so much. It appears national TV news has drifted the way of corporate national newspapers.
Dave, I'm not sure the younger generation of reporters, producers and editors is all-in on hitting the ball down the middle of the fairway as we were taught. The recent Leonard Downie piece in the Wash Post provides some evidence for that. I think they're saying sometime you have to put it in the bunker to be the best representation of what they think reality is. I disagree with that view, but I'm seeing more and more opinion in the general press, not just the opinion oriented outlets.
I certainly respect him and what he’s writing. But I’m referring above to the blatant, one-sided, snarky reporting I see on Fox and MSNBC. The eye-rolling anchors. The inability to EVER give credit to an accomplishment by the other side. For Pete’s sake, Hannity went on stage at a Trump campaign rally! Fox anchors texting White House contacts during January 6th! It’s blatantly outrageous and inappropriate. Fox and MSNBC WANT to appeal to a partisan niche audience.
Downie makes excellent points about the benefits of more diversity, of sticking to the facts, of avoiding false equivalence, of showing your work. I support all of that. Traditional media has much work to do to improve, to build trust. My point is simply that the most important difference is we really do try our level best to cover stories factually, to be impartial, to do tough stories no matter who is in power. There’s a line that partisan media crosses many times a day. We try our damndest not to cross it.
Your analysis strikes me as being spot-on. I would suggest, however, that there is a third category of media outlets beyond partisan/ideological media and mainstream media. There are many in media today that simply do not practice journalism. It is not that they are politically or ideologically biased. They are simply too understaffed or lazy to do the hard work of journalism. For example, compare the Des Moines Register today with the Des Moines Register of a quarter century ago.
A mentor taught me, "It ain't dog food if the dogs won't eat it". Today's dogs are HUNGRY for the red meat dished up by Fox and it's frenemy, MSNBC. The middle is a relative point between contrasting ends. Unlike a fare way with fixed boundaries, there is no middle on the political battle front because the boundaries no longer exist. Examples: 20xx election was stolen, immigration is bad for America, etc. We still have the facts, or do we? It seems the facts are now in question. In post truth America we debate our opinion of the facts. Like book banning, the middle ground is so last century.
I don’t understand how “partisan media,” as you call them, or Fox “News” specifically, can LEGALLY spout innuendos, half-truths, and outright falsehoods. My naïve little brain thinks that is libelous and dangerous and incites violence like the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, and even endangers our democracy. The obvious example is the January 6, 2020, attempt to overthrow our government. I can’t reconcile the principles of honesty and decency with their lies.
Thanks for writing, Dave. I still believe in the pursuit of objectivity through rigorous journalism. Absolute objectivity is an impossible standard, but that doesn’t make partisan media the (easy) answer. The industry is going through another disruption, and I hope we can come out of it with business models that respect communities more than special interests.
Great analysis.
Another spot-on essay. Thanks for being a voice of reason and fairness.
There is a reason why journalism is a degree from truly accredited schools. Thank you for continuing to use yours for Iowans. The special interest group I saw in DSM last night at Franklin Jr. High was super scary, but then I reminded myself where I was, I had entered the Twilight Zone. Thanks for helping me get out of it. There is a two and a half hour video floating around of the whole event. If you all want a good scare get a hold of one and watch. My phone couldn't even handle the pressure so my videos are a bit choppy.
Thanks!
Well written. I'm in agreement with you on local news seeming less biased. The national networks, not so much. It appears national TV news has drifted the way of corporate national newspapers.
Dave, I'm not sure the younger generation of reporters, producers and editors is all-in on hitting the ball down the middle of the fairway as we were taught. The recent Leonard Downie piece in the Wash Post provides some evidence for that. I think they're saying sometime you have to put it in the bunker to be the best representation of what they think reality is. I disagree with that view, but I'm seeing more and more opinion in the general press, not just the opinion oriented outlets.
Rich, thanks for pointing out the Len Downie piece. It’s excellent. Here’s the link for those who wish to read it:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/30/newsrooms-news-reporting-objectivity-diversity/
I certainly respect him and what he’s writing. But I’m referring above to the blatant, one-sided, snarky reporting I see on Fox and MSNBC. The eye-rolling anchors. The inability to EVER give credit to an accomplishment by the other side. For Pete’s sake, Hannity went on stage at a Trump campaign rally! Fox anchors texting White House contacts during January 6th! It’s blatantly outrageous and inappropriate. Fox and MSNBC WANT to appeal to a partisan niche audience.
Downie makes excellent points about the benefits of more diversity, of sticking to the facts, of avoiding false equivalence, of showing your work. I support all of that. Traditional media has much work to do to improve, to build trust. My point is simply that the most important difference is we really do try our level best to cover stories factually, to be impartial, to do tough stories no matter who is in power. There’s a line that partisan media crosses many times a day. We try our damndest not to cross it.
Good to hear from you!
Your analysis strikes me as being spot-on. I would suggest, however, that there is a third category of media outlets beyond partisan/ideological media and mainstream media. There are many in media today that simply do not practice journalism. It is not that they are politically or ideologically biased. They are simply too understaffed or lazy to do the hard work of journalism. For example, compare the Des Moines Register today with the Des Moines Register of a quarter century ago.
A mentor taught me, "It ain't dog food if the dogs won't eat it". Today's dogs are HUNGRY for the red meat dished up by Fox and it's frenemy, MSNBC. The middle is a relative point between contrasting ends. Unlike a fare way with fixed boundaries, there is no middle on the political battle front because the boundaries no longer exist. Examples: 20xx election was stolen, immigration is bad for America, etc. We still have the facts, or do we? It seems the facts are now in question. In post truth America we debate our opinion of the facts. Like book banning, the middle ground is so last century.