Posted by
Chris Warren on Monday, August 11, 2008 9:02:28 AM
In recent years as the blogosphere has grown both in size and clout, the bias in the MSM is finally starting to get some of the negative attention that it deserves.
I’ve had friends say, “don’t encourage your children to go into politics”….they says it no longer represents an honorable profession. (Did it ever?)
As I watch my young son grow, and think of things that I would not wish upon him, a politician is not at the top of the list. Journalism (at least in the MSM) has now taken first place in the realm of “dishonorable” professions.
In recent years the liberal “slant” of the MSM has come into light (i.e. “Rathergate”, Poorly fact-checked story of McCain’s infidelity vs. near media blackout of John Edwards infidelity for examples). Not too mention the entire MSM infatuation with a certain Barack Obama.
The media’s job should be to report without bias the news. Their job is not to assist or prevent candidates from being elected. However this is the route they have taken in recent years. Instead of standing on the side lines as a neutral observer, they have in effect become a willing participant in the political machinery of the modern Democrat party.
There are many people who love to write and they do it well. Their written communication is an art form and it is a joy to read. They are not pawns of either political party. Why would they want to become part of the MSM? Why would someone wish to work for an industry who routinely demonizes the oil companies for dishonesty, but continuously falls on their own face due their own integrity issues?
Is it the pay? Looking at payscale.com the median salary for journalist starting in the industry in $33,000. Does this present enough of an opportunity for professionals seeking strong employment opportunites. While the NYT, Washington Post, LA Times, etc. may be some of the bigger names in the MSM, by and large most aspiring journalist will be working there.
The MSM by and large no longer present an honorable or potentially
sustainable position for a would-be-journalist. They rapid decline of the major print media outlines highlights that fragile nature of the industry.
Those who can write and do it well have better opportunities these days with internet-based media (blogs, etc.). Are they politically or agenda driven? Sure. However they tend to be upfront about it and not hide the fact. There are also boundless opportunities for online writers to go in their own direction (whatever direction their passion or business acumen leads them). They also represent a great equalizer. A writer in Pottsville, AR with a degree in business can create his or her on media outlet and if they are knowledgeble and good at what they do they could theoretically divert advertising dollars from any number of major media outlets to their own site.
When it comes to journalism…America wants people who can report on a general story with no agenda-based bias. Or if you must present your political opinions, be honest and open about it. Americans can tolerate many opinions. We are smarter than many of the MSM journalist give us credit for and we don’t like being duped. Ending with a quote from the Outlaw Josey Wells, “Don't p** down my back and tell me it's raining.”