<< The only problem is that you can't discern who's message they're carrying, or even whether they are delivering that message intact. >>
I'll agree with you somewhat. Some stories are easier to believe than others. No system is perfect, but having free independent news services are thousands of times better than having government censured news.
What is your solution or preference? How do you create a free, independent news service without any mistakes, hyped stories or incorrect focuses?
<< Haven't you ever wondered whether there is a conflict of interest implicit in the marriage between CNN reporter Christiane Amanpour and her husband, State Dept spokesman James Rubin. >>
I don't stay awake at night worrying about this. She is just one of many reporters and I find most of her stories very believable. If you don't like one of the many different reporters, turn to another channel. There is a lot of competition. A news service that becomes known for incorrect stories should lose audience to the competitors. That's the way free, independent news systems should work.
<< So long as it boosts ratings or passes the editorial gatekeepers as "newsworthy", which apparently Kosovo wasn't for many years. >>
Kosovo wasn't on the front pages for many years, but there have been many news reports about Kosovo over the last 10 years. It all depends on whether or not you get further than the front page and the comics. <g>
<< Actually, I trust my own eyes and ears far more, as well as my own ability to interpret the relevance of any particular news or the credibility of its news source. >>
How can you "trust your own eyes and ears" without access to news services? Turn your TV off and don't read your newspaper for a month and then tell me what has happened around the world.
The Chinese people's attack against the American Embassy is an interesting example. The news was saying how angry the demonstration was, but most of the Chinese demonstrators were smiling and having a good time. So, which do you believe, your eyes or the report?
Then, of course, there was another demonstration which did get a lot nastier. I just hope that the Chinese government doesn't shoot the demonstrators as they had done before in the square.
|
