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Mainstream Media

June 13th, 2009 No comments

ABSTRACT: Conservative pundits (especially those on talk radio) bash the mainstream media; but what is the alternative they offer? Should we get our news from them with their unapologetic partisanism?

Many of you know that I generally split my radio listening between Conservative Talk Radio and NPR when I am driving. Occasionally I get so disgusted I would rather sit in silence than listen to a bunch of arrogant talking heads.

Well anyway, I have been thinking quite a bit about a term often thrown around by the conservative pundits: The Mainstream Media. If you listen to Hannity, Ingram, or especially Limbaugh, you will notice they speak of “The Mainstream Media” (MSM for short) with the same level of contempt as they do when speaking of terrorists, criminals or illegal immigrants. While they never say it, it can be assumed the MSM refers to traditional news sources other than Fox News. The big 3, CNN, and of course the New York Times and Washington Post.

Now, I have a bit of experience in this discussion. My capstone project for my Mass Comm undergrad degree was on bias in the media and the quest for objectivity. I am willing to admit (for the sake of discussion) that in general, the media leans slightly to the left. However, I will qualify that by saying the reason it does so has more to do with the type of people drawn to media rather than conscious effort (just like most economists are conservative). I would also remind people that the idea of objectivity in the news is a relatively new concept. In fact, it only became mainstream (no pun intended) in the last 75 years with the invention of the television – when only a few diverse people had access to your broadcast you wanted to make sure you did not alienate them. In fact, our country was not founded on the notion of an objective press, but quite the opposite. The press protected by our constitution is a partisan press. When the Bill of Rights was signed, nearly ever media outlet (newspapers of course) served as the mouthpiece of a political party…

But anyway, I digress…

I want to comment on the disdain expressed by conservative pundits towards the MSM. So here is my question: What option are you offering that is better?? Rather than watching CNN or MSNBC are people actually advocating that we should get all of our news from conservative talk radio? Is Rush a better news source than Anderson Cooper or Larry King? Sure there might be some liberal bias in the news stories covered by Brian Williams on the Nightly News, but should we instead turn to people who serve as resounding mouthpieces for their political ideologies? Is Hannity offering a more objective analysis of the president than Bill Russert? Should we get our news from people who have obviously sold out — and by sold out, I am refering to every pundit’s willingness to endorse x product right along side y ideology. Laura Ingram talks about “Go to my PC” with the same enthusiasm as she does about fiscal conservatism and Rush endorses “Cryptonite” as adamantly as he does stricter standards for immigrants. If they are willing to say those things just for the money, why not assume they are willing to spout their political ideology for similar reasons. I don’t blame those guys (and girls), you have to make money some how… but back to my question. If in your ideological ranting you bash the MSM, what is the alternative??

Now I think Nancy Grace is way out there and Olberman has his issues and is obviously speaking from a specific political standpoint. You have just as much right to reject the ramblings of liberal ideologues as I do to reject the rhetoric of conservative talk radio – both extremes are obviously bias. But what does that leave? By my count, it seems to be the “Mainstream Media.”

I am not saying we have a perfect system, but I really do wonder what sources those that bemoan the MSM think we should follow? Can anyone help me out with this?