The Decadent, Spineless, Soulless and Rudderless Media

Sharing my thoughts - shaped by continuous reflection and refinement.

A significant segment of both print and electronic media appears increasingly persuaded that it alone stands as the sentinel of civil society - vigilantly monitoring institutions at every macro and micro level, from Federal to State governments. In principle, this watchdog function is essential to democracy. In practice, however, some within the Fourth Estate seem to have mistaken vigilance for moral exemption.

Since the late 17th century, classical liberal thinkers argued that publicity and openness are the strongest safeguards against excesses of power. The idea of the press as the “Fourth Estate” rested on the premise that powerful states must be held to account. An independent press - protected by the state yet free from its control - was expected to serve as a check on authority and a guardian of public interest.

(As articulated by Sheila Coronel in Corruption & The Watchdog Role of the News Media.)

Unfortunately, a number of contemporary practitioners appear to have internalized only half of that legacy. While embracing the authority of the watchdog, they seem to assume that any excesses committed in pursuit of their narrative are to be excused as necessary collateral damage. Errors of omission and commission are brushed aside as occupational hazards — inevitable costs in the larger battle they harbor and claim to be fighting.

This moral elasticity is often justified by an unspoken belief that the end sanctifies the means. In that process, responsibility and authenticity have too frequently been eclipsed by sensationalism and yellow journalism, driven less by public interest and more by the relentless pursuit of TRP ratings.

It bears remembering that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Yes, sunlight is the best disinfectant — but when the light itself is distorted or selectively filtered, it ceases to illuminate truth. Many media houses today appear less independent sentinels and more willing courtiers to political masters, trading credibility for proximity to power. Most media houses have openly become servile to their malignant narcissist political masters, embraced darkness and are further taking a deep dive into this rabbit hole. All for a handful of proverbial silver.

For those who value a principled and reflective understanding of journalism’s democratic role, I strongly recommend reading Sheila Coronel’s Corruption & The Watchdog Role of the News Media. It remains a sobering reminder that accountability must apply to those who claim to enforce it.