Collegiate Times

Gabi Seltzer, when writing the column “News networks should be responsible with broadcasts” (CT, Nov. 16), makes an irresponsible argument when putting pressure on news organizations rather than the citizen. It is up to individuals to censor and interpret the validity of information presented to them. News stations have the freedom to choose their stories and are not obligated to follow someone’s idealistic model of what a news organization should be.

First off, the column narrow-mindedly makes the assumption that network news stations as a whole are politically and ideologically biased. Although some programs are biased, the writer overlooked that some network programs primarily relay the news with little commentary and interviews. Each program needs to be reviewed individually. When watching any news station, whether it is Fox News, CNN or MSNBC, the viewers need to ask themselves simple questions such as: “Where is this information coming from?” “Who is giving this information?” and “Is this information based on fact or opinion?” Although that sounds rather elementary, the author did not ask herself those questions consistently.

The rating system stations use is a representation of the free-market. Our country is comparatively young, yet is a world power because of the freedom to choose. The best companies, people, markets, etc. are successful because people determine what goods and services are suitable for them. You cannot criticize the news organizations for the rating system because they are simply meeting the demands of their viewership.

To argue that one news station is more biased than another is too trivial to consider relevant. Obviously liberals will argue Fox News is too biased whereas conservatives will argue MSNBC is too biased. People have the freedom to choose and naturally gravitate to stations with beliefs similar to their own. Fox News, CNN and MSNBC all have programming that is either primarily news or primarily commentary. To categorize a news station off of a single biased program such as Fox’s Glenn Beck or MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow is ignorant and irresponsible. Because certain programs are biased, an individual needs to assess news programming as a whole to be better informed.

People should not expect to be spoon-fed the news, accepting it passively. It is nonsensical to turn on one news station every day while being oblivious to other stations’ programming. People should be aware each news program slants or spins most issues. Rather than complain, an individual should take the initiative to seek out more information on a specific issue from another news station or online. It is the responsibility of the individual to form his or her own opinion, rather than be uneducated and submissive.

The aforementioned column blamed news networks for the fact that “people are so utterly misinformed about America’s most important issues,” leading to Americans wondering why there is little being done politically. This argument is so close-minded and naive that it cannot be taken seriously. Politics currently dominate network news headlines. It would be ineffective for each station to sit down and review in excessive detail each political story and fact-check each government plan. They simply give the viewer an overall assessment. With countless news outlets online, it is left to individuals to educate themselves in further detail. It is about time people start taking responsibility, rather than blame others for their own lack of initiative.

Steve Smith
Junior
Engineering science & mechanics major