The last time Gallup Polls indicated a high number of Americans had trust in media was in 2003. It makes sense, if we consider the amount of flag waving and patriotic togetherness experienced after the September 11, 2001 plane crashes in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.
Today, mainstream media is the least trusted institution in the country–even below Congress and the Senate who normally is the most mistrusted.
When asked by Gallup in 2024 how much trust and confidence they had in the media, nearly 70 percent of respondents said either “not very much” or “none at all.” In the “none at all” category, the press ranked a staggering 17 points lower than Congress.
Last year, mainstream media continued to echo their praises for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and even Tim Walz, while lying about Donald Trump and JD Vance. The November election proved it.
Yet, they desperately continue despite their falling numbers in viewers and readership.
Fellow Americans across the country laughed almost in unison at CNN’s misinformation minion Brian Seltzer released his November 6, 2024 article, headlined: “Trump’s return to power raises serious questions about the media’s credibility.”
Sandwiched into Seltzer’s thoughts, was a teaser headline selected especially for CNN’s audiences:
George Clooney says today’s fear is more pervasive than McCarthy era
“Donald Trump’s return to power is a hinge point for the American media – in ways big, small, and to be determined,” Seltzer began. ‘His defeat of Kamala Harris is raising questions about the media’s credibility, influence, and audience. Some of the questions might not be answerable for years.”
“But journalists are asking each other: What does this ‘red wave’ election say about the information environment in the United States?”
By this point in time millions of Americans could have told him. He obviously and intentionally ignored the fact that mainstream legacy news industry has been in sharp decline since the 1990s, owing to a series of financial and cultural changes brought by the rise of the internet and the realization of their dishonest reporting.
- Six corporations control 90% of mainstream media. Consequently, a few executives decide what billions of people read and watch. Meanwhile, alternative viewpoints face ridicule or censorship. Furthermore, every major outlet repeats similar headlines. Have you ever wondered why?
- Science and Academia
Science evolves, and facts often change over time. However, research relies on corporate and government grants, which might steer findings toward specific interests. Consequently, we must ask: Can we trust a consensus formed under financial influence?
- The Power of Social Conditioning
Society’s values shift quickly—sometimes overnight. What seemed controversial yesterday becomes popular today, while opposing views vanish. Therefore, we should question whether these changes happen organically or if media, education, and entertainment orchestrate them.
- Fear and Psychological Control
Leaders treat fear as an effective tool. They justify restrictions by highlighting crises—real or manufactured. Consider events such as the ‘Red Scare’ or the rise of mass surveillance. Moreover, in a fearful environment, people often treat dissent as dangerous.
- The Fall of Independent Journalism
Investigative journalism once aimed to uncover the truth. Today, it often protects powerful interests. Consequently, journalists who reveal uncomfortable realities face backlash or worse. Additionally, if mainstream media no longer questions authority, who remains to hold power accountable?
Amid the closing or shrinking of newspapers, magazines, and other legacy news outlets, Americans have increasingly turned to social media and websites along with more choices from cable networks as their main sources of news and information.
After their lies of the 2020 and 2024 elections, this has led people to realize the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation that has fueled polarization.
Given the vital role a free and responsible press plays in American democracy and the unique protections the Constitution provides for it under the First Amendment, is it time for the the everyday citizen to get involved?
Simple Actions to Prevent Media Dishonesty
Here is a quick list of fairly simple actions individuals American can do to prevent legacy media’s dishonest reporting manipulation and agenda.
• Know who they are and TURN THEM OFF.
Giants of print media distortion include The New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Forbes, Austin-American Statesman, San Antonio Express, Denver Post, Chicago Tribune…
Television, satellite and cable news sites include CNN, MSNBC, PBS, NPR, ABC, CBS, NBC…
Internet news propaganda can be regularly obtained from Politico, Yahoo News, NPR,
• Report them
Here are links to press and broadcast councils, ombudsmen and other media entities where you can register a complaint or express concerns.
Organization of News Ombudsmen, includes links to many ombuds
http://www.rjionline.org/MAS-Press-Councils-USA
A listing of press councils in the United States, curated by the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri.
http://www.wanewscouncil.org/World.htm
A listing of world press councils, curated by the Washington News Council
http://www.media-accountability.org/
Media Accountability Systems – a comprehensive ethics site affiliated with the Missouri School of Journalism
Active news council that holds public hearings to vote on complaints against media outlets in Washington State.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/thepubliceditor/index.html
New York Times Public Editor
National Public Radio (USA) Ombudsman
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Ombudsman
Minnesota News Council – “Promoting fair, vigorous and trusted journalism since 1970”
Quebec Press Council (en francais)
http://www.albertapresscouncil.ca/
Alberta Press Council
Canada’s National NewsMedia Council
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/profiles/industry/mpc_profile.cfm
British Press Complaints Commission
http://www.presscouncil.org.au/
Australian Press Council
• Cancel them.
Turn them off. We personally have not watched television (cable or satellite) since 2020. It has paid off in spades both mentally and financially.
The almighty dollar is the victor. YouTube’s latest algorithms demonetize legitimate video titles by third-party independent channels that have long been accepted. Coincidentally, some of those being cancelled are the same videos that have historically been the reason we turn to YouTube as a viable alternate source of news.
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IN GOD WE TRUST
Thanks for supporting independent true journalism with a small tip. Dodie & Jack
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By award-winning Texas author Cynthia Leal Massey.
Clever Journeys 
Media Fanatics Should Be Declared Terrorist Organizations | The Road
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I particularly like that nice long list of places where you can tell on lying media and call them on the carpet.
And yes, just turn them off. Just say no. Nancy Reagan was right, and it can go for news junkies addicted to MSM sweet little lies.
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