I am all for complete freedom of expression — if we don’t trust what we hear, we can change the channel or click to another site. It should be up to the individual to believe whatever they want to. However, opinion that is put out in the guise of news is not fair to the viewers and in the long run, this will erode the media franchises who choose to ignore this. That kind of dishonesty will be held to task in the blogosphere and viewers who are free to choose will stop consuming these opinions.
The way I see it, there are three kinds of information out there:
NEWS – Just the true facts. Who did what to whom, where, and when. ALL the facts, not just one side of the story, omitting what someone doesn’t want you to hear. Not to be confused with LIES.
Analysis – Facts with a bit of intelligence layered in to try to make sense for the viewer what the news could mean to them and others. You could add why to the NEWS list.
Opinion – Yes, this masquerades as news at many outlets and one of the main reasons the NY Times and other MSM are becoming irrelevant.
The marketplace will work fine to police this as long as bloggers are accorded similar credentials and access as “reporters” and no “licenses” are required.
Long live the internet!
