Crow’s Feet Writing Prompt #66-News

Fact or Opinion?

Today it’s difficult to tell which is which

Photo by Fujiphilm on Unsplash

I remember a time when the difference between fact and opinion in the news was clear.

It was a time when professional journalists could be trusted to convey facts and separate them from opinions.

A time when a newspaper had a responsibility to its readers to report facts and restrict opinions to the editorial pages.

A time when I looked up to journalists and even considered following journalism as a career path. (I didn’t.)

It seems like a long time ago.

Today, it’s difficult to tell which is which, fact or opinion. I think there are some important reasons why this is occurring.

1. News is no longer restricted to legitimate news outlets.
   Back in the day, newspapers were legitimate, respected news outlets that were generally viewed as objective in reporting facts. Newspapers were particularly important when it came to reporting local news, as were local radio stations. Some newspapers grew into nationally prominent publications, gaining readers beyond their immediate geographical area. They were supplemented by national news magazines. When network television arrived on the scene, TV stations became regarded as…