“The mass media are drawn into a symbiotic relationship with powerful sources of information by economic necessity and reciprocity of interest. The media need a steady, reliable flow of the raw material of news. They have daily news demands and imperative new schedules that they must meet.” –Herman and Chomsky
This quote is an accurate look at the alarming state of journalism and the media in the world today. The fact that the news media, where many people get the majority of their information about the world around them, is so centered around profit, means that the truth is buried under monetary reward much of the time. Reporters can’t be faulted for all of this, because, as the quote said, they have deadlines and requirements forced upon them in order to keep their jobs. It’s a never-ending cycle of greed that makes honest reporting a task that requires sacrifices that many people can’t afford to make.
In the past few years, we’ve seen journalism and people in political power both come into conflict more than ever, but also form relationships that are closer than in the past. The current administration has made more moves to control the media than anyone in recent history, in ways that past presidential administrations haven’t been able to, due to the progression of technology. Censorship and criticism have begun to play new roles in journalism. The fact that the president can ban reporters who paint him as unfavorable is a threat not only to news media, but also to democracy. However, these moves of people in power to silence the media are not going unnoticed, and there are many who are fighting again this symbiotic relationship in attempts to shed light on the true happenings in the country no matter the cost. Unfortunately, sometimes this is the only way to move against the power, to due so without concern of losing a job or title or role in mainstream media. Hopefully, as we draw more attention to these concerns and systems of oppression and power in place, the way we view news media and journalism and who we hold accountable will begin to move in a more positive and truthful direction.
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