An Important Phrase Now More Than Ever
So far in this turbulent year, one thing has remained constant in the news media: opposition. Everyday when we check our phones or turn on the TV, we see a new story attempting to expose the truth about a negative activity or history concerning those with opposing views to our own. These stories-albeit grounded in factual sources-have more often than not raised feelings of hostility and tension between the opposing parties and have occasionally resulted in more harm than good.
I emphasize the importance of truth when it comes to investigative reporting. We’ve seen it evident where stories can be traced to the facts, circumstances, or witnesses who have proven such to be accurate.
However, another aspect of truth regarding these stories that must be mentioned is its relevance toward the audience in question. The latest issue about “fake news” is based on the idea that the “news is real” but the “reporting is fake,” hinting that individual media organizations intend to convey a certain message about a story in an attempt to sway public opinion. Such logic is understandable, but it does no justice to the scope of reporting that is conducted by many news outlets-biased or otherwise. In the end, these outlets exist as for-profit entities that are profitable when they report stories that are the most relevant to their readers, listeners, and viewers. This does not mean necessarily that the reporting is “fake” or biased; it only means that certain stories are given greater emphasis than others because of their importance to the audience.
While many have debated about this new era, some have argued that it is increasingly difficult to rely on any one article or video distributed by an organization as a valid source of knowledge on that particular story, even if that publication is highly cited.
We should remember that what is ultimately the best for everyone is not necessarily what is true for a single group of people, but what is collectively true to everyone. Without realizing it, many news outlets have reported stories in a decisively negative tone, while others on the opposing side have struck a mostly positive tone. Rather than continue this journalistic feud, so to speak, organizations should look for ways to meet in the middle, reporting stories that are true while also reporting in such a way that everyone receives the insight they need to make an informed opinion, based on a variety of sources. Some news outlets are already good at this, but public opinion sometimes makes it difficult to decipher which ones are more dependable than others.
Instead of allowing oneself to be distracted by the opposition about what is happening today, each person should research the events by reading, watching videos, engaging in discussions with peers, and/or attending lectures and meetings. We develop by challenging ourselves, and that is why it is crucial to challenge our opinions by ensuring they are solidified in absolute facts.
At the same time, we should continue to pursue our individual passions and work hard in our respective disciplines.
The different paths we take make us stronger, and, as we work together, they will make us united.