General perception of the mainstream media is seemingly deteriorating everyday.
The term “fake news” has caught, resulting in a rise of public distrust. Mainstream outlets such as CNN and Fox are associated with political bias, which makes holding the government accountable tricky and difficult. Even if the media is speaking the truth, the facts will fall on deaf ears that are tuned off of mainstream narratives. Major news outlets like the aforementioned CNN and Fox News aren’t doing their best in holding the government accountable.
We here at The Pacer find it troubling that this is the current state of affairs regarding mainstream news outlets. The similarity between Pacer writers and mainstream reporters is that all of us fall into the profession of journalism. Journalists historically have had the job of holding those in power accountable. Journalism is the backbone of any free and well-functioning society. Without it, the public won’t know what is going on in the world and ignorance will no longer be a choice. With the increase in public ignorance, those in power will have an easier population to walk over.
The mainstream media needs to regain the trust of the people they are supposed to be informing. A return to strong reporting, honesty and transparency will help combat the tide of “fake news.” Maybe when the mainstream media regains the trust of the people, they can finally start holding the powerful accountable again.
A better journalistic atmosphere, especially with the mainstream outlets, will give brighter hopes to prospective students and other aspiring journalists.
