There is a First Amendment, too

News media have been savaged recently. Particular vitriol has been leveled by President-elect Donald Trump. He has accused journalists of being liars, scum and low lifes, among other unflattering things. He has attacked reporters personally and has tried to discredit entire media companies, not to mention particular stories.

His continued attacks have generated intense reactions from his followers and, in fact, many others. The credibility of many news outlets has been so routinely questioned that the damage to reputations may be long lasting.

Trump has even suggested weakening the First Amendment to bring news organizations into line. The criticism has become so widespread that many news outlets are publicly reviewing their coverage, policies and procedures.

To be sure, legitimate media are not perfect. Flaws, errors and mistakes have occurred. Some reporters have let their biases show. Some stories are overplayed, and some are neglected altogether.

Still, most mainstream media do a pretty good job of separating fact from opinion and falsehoods. Most try for balanced coverage. Most try to inform and educate the public about important issues and events. Most realize that without a free and impartial press a democracy cannot survive.

To add to the assault, the phenomenon of fake news is capturing attention. Blatantly false news is being disseminated on social media sites. It is often taken as factual, and the legitimate news outlets are criticized for not covering it. They are often also criticized for debunking it.

On top of this, highly distorted news and advocacy outlets are taken at face value without any awareness of the sources’ agenda. As a result, legitimate news outlets are accused of slanting the news when they are acting with total objectivity.

There is no answer in the media world itself, except that it try to do better and regain some of its credibility.

The answer really depends on the public. It all comes down to the need for an aware, astute and skeptical populace, one that is able to critically judge what is being presented to them.

Traditional, serious news outlets are the safest and most reliable sources of news. Despite being badly maligned, they are the most important bulwark for democracy against falsehood and unrestrained advocacy. They are the most important defense against a runaway government and demagoguery.

The Second Amendment is not the only constitutional amendment that needs protection.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher