There could be serious "investigative reporting" on every branch of govt and the corruption and waste going on in just about every aspect of it.
From Dept of Education, SS, welfare, medicaid, Military, Justice, etc...There is waste, corruption, fraud, incompetence at every level and on massive scales. How much of our huge deficits and debt are a result of the lack of accountability the press is supposed to hold the govt...accountable for?
Instead, we get talking points from the govt, and just about every media outlet broadcasts them. Regurgitating them almost verbatim. Gotten to the point that the exact same sentences can be heard on ABC, NBC, CBS, etc...at the exact same time of day. Limbaugh (like him or hate him) is pretty good at putting "montages" together, where a bunch of "journalists" on differing networks, repeat the exact same phrases and talking points...at the exact same time.
The govt decided it needed more money, and tobacco companies became its target. Over the next few months, a concerted media barrage went after them, then...voila! Tobacco companies paying billions to govt.
One example of many, of how lockstep govt and media have become. Instead of being the cons utional "watchdog" of govt abuse...its become the biggest proponent...as long as the govt and media agree on the targets. The Press have become the govt's attack dogs.
Govt and media should never agree. Media should be just as antagonistic towards the current administration...as it was the last administration...and it's not.
It should be antagonistic towards EVERY administration. That's its job. If it likes the current administration, it's going to be reluctant to find faults, and more supportive of its merits...as seen by them. Journalists have become activists...becoming journalists because they want to "change things" or "make a difference."
That's not their job...go into politics if you want to do that. Journalists jobs are to investigate and report, as impartially and accurately as possible. And their #1 job is to keep govt honest...it's why the cons ution specifically mentions the press. Not to support govt. Not just investigate them when they don't like the current crop on in bents. It needs to CONSTANTLY investigate them and keep them honest.
We've lost that big time.
The only way to find out anything about govt abuse now...is to go to the "opposing" media these days. You want to find abuse during BUSH years? Go to ABC, CNN, etc...
You want to find abuse during OBAMA...go to talk radio, and mebbe FOX.
"Journalism" has taken sides. There is no impartial journalism these days. It's a disgrace, and its roots can be found in Journalism Schools...where "social activism" has become more important than actual "journalism." Journalism is now about changing things, instead of reporting them. Mostly its become anti-capitalism and social change.
Some would say this is a "noble" goal.
I say it's not a Journalists goal.
rant over...
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