If you’re a newshound, you probably have a certain number of newspapers, Web sites and networks you turn to. One of mine admittedly is Fox News. I watch it to see stories you don’t see on other networks. And sometimes — like in the case of Glenn Beck — I tune in for a giggle. I am often critical of Fox News and the way it covers a lot of stories, but truth be told, I can find fault with all the networks. After all, you don’t have to look too hard to find flaws in 24-hour news coverage. But lately, a friend of mine asked why I was so obsessed with Fox News. Can’t I just turn it off?
He’s right. But it’s not just obsession. It’s also fear and anger. When Fox News’ Sean Hannity used video from a different event to “prove” his particular ideology was gaining ground — only to be caught by none other than comedian Jon Stewart — I got angry. And not because it’s Fox. But because no matter its bent, it’s still a news network. These days, it seems that networks claim to be news, but most of the coverage is in fact opinion. Opinion has its place, but it should have some basis on reality. On journalism. And that’s fading too quickly for my taste.
Too many Americans don’t realize that Sean Hannity is not a journalist. Glenn Beck is not a reporter. Rachel Maddow? Nope. Keith Olbermann? Sorry. He, too, is a commentator. Being on TV and being a journalist are not the same thing. But real journalism, real reporting, real news can’t compete with the ratings. And to some extent, I get it. People yelling is entertainment. But even as commentators, you’d think there would be some obligation to truth. Biased truth, fine. But truth.
So, for my friend who thinks I’m obsessed … Yeah, OK, maybe. But we are living in a world where Walter Cronkite has died, and Jon Stewart is our most trusted news source. And I don’t know who to trust. And that’s the real problem. That’s my real obsession.
Although I realize you are really trying to make a distinction between opinion and news, I still argue most news is irrelevant any way.
I highly recommend Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s The Black Swan. It is one of my favorite books of all time. (It is a bit dense, so I would recommend the audio version. I “rewind” frequently.) In it, he frequently refers to the “toxicity of information”. After encountering Taleb’s work, I have all but eliminated the Hannitys, Becks, Maddows, Olbermanns, Limbaughs, Mahers, and even the Cronkites and Stewarts of the world from my life. I would argue that I am generally none-the-dumber for it.
I will admit, though, without constant input from CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and FOX, I do find it difficult to have an intelligent conversation about the current Tiger Woods situation. Oh well, small sacrifice for the betterment of my mental health I guess.