Does the media owe us something?

Question

Does mass market media like CBS, NBC, ABC, or even our local news channels and papers owe the public something?

For the most part, these networks broadcast free entertainment twenty-four hours a day. They make up their money their money in advertising revenue, but still require operating budgets in the low billions every year. As we don't pay a dime, and aren't required to watch, do these networks owe the lower and middle classes something?

Do you think they inaccurately portray the real issues within America so as not to threaten the status quo?

What do you think?

Answer 1

yes less political commercials during election time

Answer 2

A century ago, the 'Fourth Estate' was an honorable part of journalism. The 'media' was proud to serve as America's watchdog, holding our government's feet to the fire and questioning the actions of our elected and appointed officials.
Nowadays, the 'media' is just another big business, run by bean counters whose only motivation is profit. The major networks have become nothing more than propagandists for our government and its leaders. 'Talking heads' read the government press releases; there is little skepticism, virtually no investigative follow-through, and absolutely no protection for the public.

Most blatant offenders include the Fox 'News" Network and independent propagandists like Rush Limbaugh. Accuracy, truthfulness, and full information is not even part of the media equation these days. Sensationalism, 'being first' and outright lies or distortions are the media's mainstream as it seeks to attract more advertisers that it does to enlighten the American public. -RKO- 09/21/07

Answer 3

Because media is most definitely "bottom-line" driven -- it has major leanings toward the satisfaction of the people writing the checks !!
When it comes to NEWS coverage -- in recent years -- far too many News Departments cover WHAT they cover with mega bias in place and "spin" that is self-serving and fully leaned to catering "viewpoints" that are popular within the realms OF the "powers-that-be" !! This reality is even PUMPED on steroids when it comes to the LOCAL stations !!
What SHOULD be --- is an approach to such subjects from a balanced -- non-spun -- reporting of the actual facts ! And, coverage that gives the public at least SOME credit for having at LEAST enough sense to make SOME basic "judgement calls" for themselves !!!

Answer 4

Most media is part of a large conglomerate corporation and the news end of it is mostly a side business. It doesn't usually make the company money. Of course the major corporations owning media outlets look unfavorably at criticism directed at any part of their organization. The ownership of all media in the hands of a few is doing the public a disservice and runs counter to democratic ideals and leads to a form of censorship by omission. I think most local and national news neither inform nor enlighten the general public to the important issues facing this country.

Answer 5

Edward R. Murrow thought the media owed our nation honesty and public service.

The media has been usurped from public service and serious journalism to serve interests which may not serve the public interest and actually conflict with it.

The direction our nation has taken could not be characterized as status quo, but radical fundamental changes in principals and practices.

Today to bypass entertainment, untouchable stories, bias to the point of propaganda in some quarters, foreign press and media are essential not just to be informed but to even be aware of events in our own nation.

Answer 6

We do have the right to turn the TV off. The only thing they owe us is to get back to basic grass roots Journalism. Up to the minute accounts is really getting old!

Answer 7

They owe their public straight unsensationalized facts. When the facts get too elaborate, it tends to get twisted and most of the time misunderstood. I believe they also need to stay neutral in making their reports and make sure that only facts gets reported and not speculations.

Answer 8

I wish more people could understand what you just said. They don't or cant give unbiased news so I doubt if they feel they owe us anything else. Very good question.

Answer 9

Not to threaten the status quo?! They inaccurately portray issues to make people believe the lies of liberal socialists!!!!!!!!

They manipulate statistics to make them say what they want: you just have to look!

Down with liberalism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

So far nothing.
Only " Money,money,money"
Short -change with ghostly stories.
In ghostly and deadly words.
Luke 9.60