Do we believe too much of what we read in the media?

Question

I'm talking print media here, specifically media interviews. It often seems that the 'subject' being interviewed is selectively quoted/ misquoted to suit the particular agenda the (allegedly impartial) journo is running. I speak from personal experience here - I was interviewed for my local newspaper recently and the article that came out was complete crap! For example, it said that I had 'started playing piano to escape her sad childhood'....what I actually said was, 'I didn't have a great time when I was younger, but I think everyone has those sorts of periods in their life' and this was in a response to a question posed by the journo herself!
I may be going on to much about this, but people need to relise that what you read in a media interview is only one-sided - so much gets lost in translation, and words are often taken out of context just like mine were. Thoughts anyone?

Answer 1

Listen bro, the media is all about smoke screens. When they break a story and keep it on all day. I get worried cause I know something ten times worse is happening. Especially with all the brain dead s chopping at the bit when it comes to celebs the media has endless stuff to divert our attention. Besides people will believe anything.

Answer 2

I absolutely agree with this. Reporters are pressured into delivering content with minimal cost and this results in short, barren, and often inaccurate stories. Every story that I have some knowledge of has been inadequately covered in local and national papers. It's not uncommon to tweak the perspective.

This applies to major news events as well. The media takes the low cost and safe approach of re-writing press releases. If a news organization reports a significant story truthfully, and the other networks do not follow, then they "are perceived" to be disreputable. There is a big risk in losing sponsors also well-paid editorial positions (jobs).

Newspapers, television, and radio have historically taken a stance that supports their sponsors. The credibility of the best sources of the truth are often attacked and discredited.

There are still many people with the courage to fight propaganda and report the truth. However, these people typically do not have jobs at major media outlets.

Answer 3

Your question should be modified somewhat. Much of what the media prints is bias of the reporter.Case in point===Pick up any newspaper or magazine and find an article complimenting President Bush or the Republican conservatives for anything positive. But they follow Hillary and that "do nothing" congress and quote all the garbage those people say. Absolutely disgusting and they say we have a free press. No such animal.

Answer 4

Some people believe everything in the printed media, some only what they agree with, and others believe nothing.

Someone, I don't know who, once was reported to have said: "Don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see". Journalism is "hearing" someone's word and "seeing" those words in print.

William Randolph Hearst, the scion of at least 30 printed publications, has been reported to have said: "You show me the pictures, I will create a war".

Theodore Roosevelt has been attributed with the words, "Walk softly, and carry a big stick".

As a person who is prone to "speaking their mind", who has lost at least four jobs for doing so, I would suggest one just not say anything that someone else could use against you.

Answer 5

The papers always change the details to make it more interesting and sell more papers. Also, they change all the stories to fit their opinion. Nothing is "fair & alanced" anymore. It really irritates me they think we are stupid and can't make up our own opinions, they always force theirs on us, i.e. the Irag war and their views of George Bush.

Answer 6

for the most part, people are too lazy to fact-check. so they swallow whatever the media puts out hook, line and sinker. that is why the media can shape public opinion.

Answer 7

Don't think so.
We do have the in and out waste basket.
Especially for ghostly stories.
Do you have the in and out waste basket?
If not.
Will have garbage dump with garbage in and garbage out.
Luke 9.55-56
What do you think?