I am a firm believer in being informed. I think it's essential that every adult, especially this day in age, have at least a loose understanding of what's going on in the world around them. Major news networks and newspapers maintain apps and websites that can send push notifications of "breaking" and important news on major events topics of interest, creating a convenient channel through which information can reach an individual within seconds on-the-go. Though news updates on every facet of humanity and our current state can be found online or in some digital form, many individuals still tune into their favorite cable news networks to gain updates – especially in my house.
There hasn't been a time where I've come home and not seen a major news network dominating the television screen. I mean – a little variety in programming would have been nice – but I used to appreciate the fact that I was constantly "in the know." It's empowering to understand current events. Lately, though, I've become extremely disenchanted with cable news networks– and not just a singular one, but all of them.
If you look back into the history of televised reporting, you'll find videos of some of the first broadcasts ever aired. You'll also probably notice the stark difference between now and then – not just in the technology utilized to transfer information, but also in the style of reporting. Back in the day, reporting the news was just...well...reporting the news. Anchors, contributors, and journalists would simply read off the details of and provide updates on the events taking place. There was no spin, there was less of an emphasis on the opinion of it or the "well I think that–" segment of the story.
If an important political or public figure gave a speech or did something noteworthy, it would be read or broadcasted without a segment thereafter breaking down the minutia of each work uttered. Noteworthy events or tragedies were reported with a superb level of respect and professionalism. All of the details and known information were laid out in a completely honest, ungilded fashion to simply raise awareness and keep people updated. People cared greatly about these facts and less about personal agenda.
These days, everything seems the opposite. No matter what network news station I turn to, I feel as if I'm not being informed of the full story. Networks seem to care more about forwarding their specific political views rather than actually reporting the facts. Stories are twisted and portrayed in a fashion that will agree with the personal alignment of the programmers. I am constantly bombarded by anchors and contributors arguing over the ramifications or opinion of the event before all of the information has been properly laid out. I find it difficult to formulate my own thoughts with complete confidence when it's being force-fed to me in such a blatantly partisan fashion.
That is not to say, however, that opinion should be banished from news altogether. I think it is exceedingly valuable that experts have the capacity to debate their takes as well as the details of the news in the homes of dedicated viewers. What I don't appreciate is when there is a lack of respect and willingness to listen to differing opinions during such conversations. It seems that debates oftentimes turn to verbal altercations in which one side is constantly trying to speak (or even yell) over the other in an effort to prove themselves right or assign blame. This type of debate does not foster any sort of positive outcome or work to ensure the integrity of what's reported. What's more– it's downright frustrating to watch.
In the wave of the Manchester and London attacks– as well as the recent shooting of the Republican congressional baseball team– I have noticed a complete lack of tact that reporters and anchors show in the aftermath of tragic or violent events. Instead of taking even a moment to simply report and pay proper respect to the victims, they immediately jump on someone's case to place responsibility on the shoulders of those they disagree with. To me, that is a complete disgrace.
Modern broadcast news is about cutting people down to size– as Don Henley famously noted. Until the networks decide that they want to sit down like adults and report rather than bicker, I'll be finding my information elsewhere.
