Journalism Has Been Compromised, And Has Failed In Its Mission

When you think about 2017, considering all the events that occurred in the nation that year, what in your mind would be the most significant thing that happened? I’d say most would respond, the inauguration of Donald Trump as president. His assuming office could be described as unexpected and controversial, and for some as a favorable and good thing, but for others it was catastrophic, a threat to democracy and an assault on their psyches.

“Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly, are among the very fundamentals of democracy, and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged.” [Franklin Roosevelt]

With the 2016 election, something else emerged, a divisive and perhaps even unprecedented manifestation. Although some might say it was not as earth-shaking as the election, and not directly related to governmental administration or of a direct political nature, it did in fact create a new dynamic. This change would affect how the American people received their news and information, particularly when the subject is politics.

“We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values.” [John F. Kennedy]

The catalyst of this change and new dynamic, unlike in the ancient science of Alchemy, was not a substance, solid or liquid, but was an individual, the new President of the United States, Donald Trump. He stood steadfast in the face of tremendous adversity, intolerance, and derision by the media, and alone brought about what would soon turn out to be a re-evaluation of its trustworthiness, objectivity, and fairness. The New York Times in a 2018 editorial admitted that it would be biased against President Trump.

“I think the important thing is that there be plenty of newspapers, with plenty of different people controlling them, so that there are a variety of viewpoints, so there is a choice for the public. This is the freedom of the press that is needed.” [Rupert Murdoch/ Fox News, New York Post]

Nothing has changed, there has been no mending of fences; the 2024 election of Donald Trump is still unacceptable by a majority of the mainstream media. His condemnation and unapologetic criticism also continues to subject the fourth estate, journalism itself, to much skepticism and the intense scrutiny of the American people who have been outspoken in voicing their disfavor.

It appears there is nothing President Trump can do, although it be as favorable and beneficial for the nation and American people, which will satisfy the usual suspects. ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, and the Washington Post, among others, cannot bring themselves to show even a modicum of acceptance. Their journalistic integrity has lapsed and is no longer in their purview.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” [United States Constitution/ Article I]

History reveals that the American Revolution, the victory in the battle for independence, paved the way for the U.S. Constitution that guaranteed the freedom of speech and the press. Communicating to the people by the printed press was a key element in support of the war and political class.

Over the centuries, and now in postmodern America, the communication of news has been advanced and made more available through other mediums, aside from printed newspapers. Radio, television, and the internet, offer a cornucopia of information, news, and stories. In each of these, you will still find the negativity and hostility by most of the media directed at President Trump.

Since the 2024 election, and in a recent survey, it was determined that much of the legacy/ mainstream media have not weathered very well the Trump storm. Each of them has felt the sting of being labeled “fake news,” the origin of which was President Trump. Once favored hosts have been either moved to new days or time slots, due to failing viewership, or given buyouts. The only exception is Fox News which has increased in viewership.

The Public Broadcasting Station (PBS), a taxpayer-funded entity, will no longer be welcomed to attend press briefings due to the its left-leaning biased news coverage. This was by a presidential executive order; it was given limited time to “clean up its act,” or face being defunded.