When news became a source of revenue for broadcasters, is when America lost the 5th estate
Back in the 70's, the big 3 networks ran all of their news programs as losses....they knew that it was imperative to get the news to America, but profit was not ever in the discussion.
Cronkite, Brinkley, and the others like them were the most trusted men in America. They provided the facts of the news, and let the viewers think for themselves what it might mean to THEM.
At the end of each nightly broadcast, their was maybe a minute to minute and half op-ed piece, and it was always listed as such on one thing or another.
I think in 1979, Ted Turner created CNN 24 news network, and the news world was turned on its ear. Suddenly news was available earlier, so the networks no longer had the same viewership. And CNN began making money, and the race to profits began.
Almost 40 years later, we are left with entertainment, not news. Pundits telling us what to think about everything happening....not just telling us the facts, and letting US sort it out. And every station you watch slants it in one way or another....leaving out something, or adding in something else....it is total bull****
I want the NEWS....who, what, where, how, when, and if known, the WHY....i will make my own determination on what it means, and how it affects me or what i need to think about it.
Give me Walter Cronkite back....crusty old cronkite who just gave us the facts
