Advertisement has a strong effect on TV networks and what they choose to broadcast. The public is usually not fully aware of the steps taken before televising certain news topics or shows. Journalists are expected to report with facts and not with opinion or personal beliefs. When investigative reporters are assigned topics that involve products or merchandise being sold by certain companies, sometimes what they find is not the same as what is being advertised. This was the case in the Monsato vs. Fox News reporters’ legal dispute.
My impression from this particular case is that the media affects public opinion more than the public realizes. Contrary to popular belief, many news topics are not televised based on what the audience wants to watch but on what the media wants the public to watch. This happens through a process of writing, rewriting, editing and appropriate wording. The point is made smoothly then it gets constant television time in order to increase the subjects’ popularity and likeness.
The media can legally lie. There is no law that prohibits news networks from falsifying a story. Fox News reporters’ Steve Wilson and Jane Akre went to trial and ultimately lost because Fox News did not break the law when they asked them to lie (“rewrite”) on their report. To me, Fox News was unethical and just plain wrong. They asked these reporters to lie about their findings, which can ultimately jeopardize their careers. They threaten them by bringing up termination and bullied them into writing the story over 83 times! There might be no law to criminalize this corporation but their actions proved to be unfair and dishonorable. Many questions arise from this situation. How often are journalists in this compromising position? How much of what we listen to on the radio or see on TV, is true? The reality is that these major news organizations report on what makes them money and any topics or subjects that change that are not reported on.
This is when public media plays an essential role. They report on important topics that usually never make it on mainstream media. NPR helps in keeping the public awake and aware on the actual details of things. They are not seeking profit therefore it maintains the news balanced and real. It is important to have awareness of these stations and to support them in their journey.
Ultimately, journalists have to remain credible and factual. I agree with the actions of these reporters even if they ended up losing their jobs. I am aware that it is a difficult situation to be in but the correct thing is to always remain morally correct. I can say, “lets try to avoid this” but many times there’s no way to do that. The best thing to do is to always remain responsible and professional.
