We are not all ‘fake news’
In today’s world, the media is getting a bad rap. We agree, there has been a trend toward sensationalizing everything for attention and a desperation to become the next Woodward & Bernstein. This has happened much to the disservice to the public as well as our reputations as journalists.
We are all suffering the frustration of the American people with our profession due to the actions of some of the more irreputable journalists out there. People have become very wary and suspicious of the media, all of us.
We are taught in journalism school that the first principle of journalism is truth, then you must abide the principles of verification and objectivity. What is going on out there? When did objectivity in journalism disappear?
Those overzealous journalists have created such an atmosphere of distrust that the entire profession seems to be viewed with snarky skepticism. It seems the only segment less trusted than journalists these days is politicians. But, that is another editorial all its own.
There are several things amiss here. There is “fake news” as well as unverified news and then just blatant opinion pieces under the guise of news stories. It is enough to throw anyone off balance just sifting through the hype to get to the facts. Shame on these wayward souls using their power and influence for a less than honorable purpose. We must be the purveyors of truth, the watchdogs of society and government entrusted to keep them honest. We are the “Fourth Estate.”
In order to be well-informed, the public must be very discerning when choosing a news source. All of the news out there is not truth, but it is not all fake either. Seek reputable outlets for information. And remember, you get what you pay for and the truth is always worth paying for.
We want our readers to know that at the Imperial Valley Press we take our integrity very seriously. We work very hard to be the voice of unbiased truth. We adhere to hard rules of verification and that opinions stay on the opinion pages and not seep into our reporting. Sure, we make an occasional mistake, but not out of malice or manipulation of facts. Our intention is always to bring our audience the best information available.
Journalism in its purest form is a noble profession and we are proud to call it ours.