CHAPTER 3The News
“The primary purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self‐governing.”
— Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, The Elements of Journalism
It seems as if there are countless sources for news, including broadcast and cable channels, radio, newspapers, and online platforms, much of which can be accessed directly or via social media. Within each medium, we have to decide which source is trustworthy and which is not, separating fact from opinion and seeking and objectivity over bias. Much of the news draws us to the sensational, prioritizing the graphic over the detail, and in some cases the flashy over substance. In addition, we all have an innate desire for vindication of our opinions, leading us to sources that provide commentary that lends itself to confirmation bias. And if that is not enough, the fast pace of today's news cycle makes the stories that have yet to achieve even their 15 minutes of fame already obsolete, as breaking news headlines suddenly replace the previous ones. As I write this chapter, there are fires blazing through the western part of the United States; two hurricanes threatening the Gulf Coast; an endless carnival of accusations, conspiracy theories, and polls related to the 2020 election; heightened worry about nuclear testing in North Korea; and, not to be outdone, a worldwide pandemic. Each of these stories brings a constant stream of breaking news alerts, push notifications, and opinions. ...
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