When I first watched TV in the '50's, news was an FCC mandated public service networks provided in exchange for their licenses to broadcast. Many people watched the news because it was one of the best sources of immediate information. Radio had no pictures and newspapers were slow.
Networks soon caught on that even though news was considered a cost of doing business, viewers tended to leave the same channel on after the news through prime time. Competition for viewers began in earnest. Originally, credibility and insight with such notables as Edward R Morrow was used to gain viewers. Slowly, though, sensationalism and celebrity hype crept in. As cable started to compete for viewers, the sacrifice of dignity for more hype was made.
After Reagan refused to sign the bill codifying the FCC Fairness Doctrine, outright lies and slander became legal on the airwaves. News could be twisted and pumped up not only to get more viewers, but also to manipulate them. FOX Spews and Rush Limberger are not welcome in Canada, because our Northern neighbors still have a policy similar to our long dead Fairness Doctrine. Isn't it too bad we still don't have it here? Perhaps the hate and fear mongers on talk radio and cable would at least be a little inhibited in tearing apart our nation.
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