Few Americans are old enough to remember the fact that television news was a mandate from the government of the United States. Legislation was passed to require the three major networks to broadcast a minimum of one-half hour of news each workday evening. To this day these short broadcasts were the best and most informative information given to the American people. They offered no opinions or discussion, and offered only the facts of events occurring in our nation each day. This allowed the American people to make their own opinions about each event which might affect their lives.

Today the media offers entertainment. Objectivity no longer exists. Beautiful people tell the tales of the past day with a slanted opinion. The American people are told what to believe and are the least informed citizens in the world.

It doesn’t matter if the American people watch CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, or FOX Noise, none can be labeled as actual news networks.

On the weekend millions of Americans watch Meet the Press, Face the Nation, or FOX News Sunday and fail to receive factual information. When Tim Russert passed away the last informative and honest Sunday broadcast disappeared.

Today the media fails to challenge our government. I was once informed that the press was warned decades ago that if they told the truth their ‘sources’ would no longer be available. The fourth estate is now nothing more than a tool of politicians.

I have promised to tell the truth, and I do. In addition, I frequently discover stories about misdeeds never reported by network television, or buried in the last pages of print publications. Often I view a story on a television network which I reported days or weeks previously. Even then the emphasis is misdirected.

Be very cautious when reading or watching news from mainstream media. The ages old caveat of ‘don’t believe everything you hear’ is applicable. As we have all been informed regarding the internet, fact check everything.

If the United States was a well-informed nation, we would have acceptable government composed of men and women who were well qualified and very concerned about the future of our nation and its people; all of the people.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey Beall

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