Media: Watchdogs turned Lap Dogs
Posted on Sep 11, 2009 by Valerie Touchstone
I know this post may be controversial, but that is okay. Journalism and the watchdog role it should play is a topic that never fails to get my blood pumping. In fact, I believe the watchdog role is the core of what journalism is – or should be. Since I love news, I have been trying to determine what it is that really bothers me now about reading news articles or watching TV news; what is that feeling of distress? Why do I feel a segment of my profession is heading down the toilet?
The truth is no longer sought; ratings and ads are sought. The shock factor is in, details are out. Opinions, loudness and rudeness have replaced intelligent debate. All of which fuel more of the same – everyone feels they have to prove and defend their point. The watchdogs have turned into lap dogs. Yapping lap dogs, maybe, but lap dogs all the same. Instead of finding and presenting the facts, the news, in every form, is now entertainment and/or the opportunity for someone to listen to themselves yak on about their point of view. The facts be damned!
There are people who believe the role of the journalist is dead. These critiques point to the Internet and say people can find the truth for themselves. No need for reporting. News is “reported” by people as it is happening via Twitter, Facebook and the like. And, with the current state of journalism, I am hard pressed to disagree.
However, if journalists would get back to reporting the news and journalism schools focused on teaching the core values of unbiased reporting, the importance of the watchdog role and why freedom of the press is critical, people would have the facts to debate as they tweet, blog, text and post Facebook musings.
Now that would be something to bark about…
Tagged: news, journalism, facebook, twitter, text, blog, blogging, reporting, news stories, watchdog, media
Comments
I couldn't agree more! Though a bona fide news junkie, I am often turned off by the strident tone of discussion and the fact that hosts seems to rarely challange the 'facts' presented by any guests. Thanks for the post!
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