by Thomas Beddoe

Created on: July 30, 2007

Of course there exists a bias in mainstream media. Any individual with even a basic understanding of the "human condition" will acknowledge that every thing written is done so from the bias of the author. So too the process of reading or otherwise digesting media is executed from the bias of the individual audience member. It falls upon the observer then to accept a personal responsibility to filter any content they choose to absorb.

We can not expect that publishers and broadcasters not present their chosen material without their own bias. Primarily this would be irresponsible to their own moral judgment. That said we must never tolerate lying from mainstream news media. Indeed stories presented as "news" must be verifiable. The entire concept of anti-monopoly legislation is supposed to protect the "public" from being exposed to only one perspective of mass media. Freedom of the press is essential not for forcing the press to be unbiased, but rather to allow all points of view on any given topic an equal opportunity of exposure.

How naive are we to expect that a media outlet, being dependent on advertising dollars for it's very survival, is not going to approach "content" with the bias of it's own financial supporters. If we are to suggest that these systems need to be changed in some manner, maybe sponsorships need public disclosure. Somehow I think the common commercial or print add pretty much takes care of this particular point already. To force a media outlet to neglect it's financial support system is pretty much the proverbial "shooting yourself in the foot," mentality.

Personally I am sick and tired of the constant whimpering of those who have allowed themselves to become intellectually lazy. The media's job is to present facts. The individual is responsible for educating himself/herself as too the varying perspectives of those facts. Do we really need to be spoon fed our reality like children? Is it really so difficult to change a channel or have the personal integrity to verify data of some personal interest from several sources? The day and age of "brand loyalty," in regards to information is long behind us. The institution of the public library has evolved into the Internet. The "world" has become much smaller and access to varying perspectives little more than a few keystrokes.

Any suggestion that government should control mass media is a slippery slope to sterilization of thought. Forgive me for not knowing who presented this idea but, is not the very root of democracy "dissent, dissent, dissent"? There exists legislation to protect the public from the propagation of "hate material", and other similar misguided attempts of perverting intellectual evolution. This type of legislation is essential to the progress of any developing society.

In short, stop blaming the business of media for trying to stay in business and grow up. Take responsibility for yourself and your intellectual pursuits. Have the personal integrity and foresight to question not only the biases of others but your own.

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