Are opinion journalists allowed to have an opinion when reporting the news? This is a sticking point in American discourse this week. Let’s explore this question. If born before 1975, you may remember news as just the news. In other words, just the facts without editorial comment. The consumer was expected to draw their conclusion about the facts presented. From the beginning of our country, newspapers,” town criers, and later, radio were how people got information.
However, with the advent of television, there became another way to get news to compete with newspapers’ morning and evening editions. Short, fifteen-minute television broadcasts became another way to “catch up” on current events.
Eventually, technology brought us many more ways to consume news as we do today. We have choices. Americans generally like options and competition.
But, in this era of news reporting, are Americans tired of journalists injecting their own opinions or even the network narrative? Do Americans now want only the facts? I’ve heard some Americans say journalists should not have opinions. We have First Amendment, so absolutely, there should be American opinion journalists.
When consuming news, freedom lovers should avoid a complete “Pravda” (state-run media) by choosing alternative sources. Also, avoid listening to or reading the same source. For example, you will not be informed by listening to your parents’ choices alone.
In a free society, there is room for all types of reporting. You and I must take advantage of the right to get the latest information from various sources.
How do you exercise your freedom and develop your opinions by consuming news from a variety of sources?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
Join the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/commonsensecivics
