I read with interest Duke Truby’s viewpoint about a newspaper print medium being a “business” in the strictest sense. As such, that business should cater to its customers and clients. However, as the news media in its most noble form is the “Fourth Estate,” protected by the U.S. Constitution. It engenders something far more significant. Informational, educational, entertaining, and yes, even intellectually challenging or stimulating. Much like my favorite comedian, George Carlin, who said outrageous things, he always hit a nerve.
Truby does not state objectively what “liberal” means to him. In my case, it would be freedom of choice in women’s health, well-funded public education, corporate tax rates in the Reagan era of 34%, worker protections, a fully funded Social Security trust fund and a balanced budget. (and banning pharma ads on TV.)
Roger Ailes, who was the media consultant to Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign, went on to found Fox News. He envisioned a TV station news that affirmed the beliefs of the viewers, or confirmation bias. As Katie Couric recently quipped, it’s an “affirmation station” rather than an information outlet. I prefer to deem it an echo chamber and comfort zone.
MATTHEW MCCANN
Marrero
