General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I swear to fucking Gawd once we retake the WH in 2029 [View all]Bluetus
(1,446 posts)Last edited Sat Aug 30, 2025, 08:08 PM - Edit history (1)
would be to publish the canons of journalism, as expected from all outlets, regardless of where they might lie on the political spectrum, and then be very aggressive in punishing those who violate the canons.
What would the canons be? Well, we might even ask the MSM to give their input. It would be interesting what they would come up with, as so many of them seem to know nothing about journalism and the traditions of ethical reporting. But here are some things that could be included:
* No AI videos, doctored photos or comments/text taken out of context
* No accusations without multiple, credible, verified sources
* No "back door" accusations using demagogic tricks like "Some people are saying" and "I'm just asking questions"
* The network must allow fair opportunity, on air, for others to contest the facts or the lack of context presented by the network. That doesn't mean equal time, but if a network gets its facts wrong, they must allow for corrections with the same prominence as was given to the misinformation.
* No distinction between "daytime reporting and evening infotainment". All programming on any "news channel" must be subject to the same journalistic standards, and a violation by an "opinion show" on a "news channel" will result in punishment of the entire channel.
And here's a key thing: We could start that process today. Newsom could come out with a statement, something like,
The point is to get that canon out in front of the public today, and to start calling out the networks that violate that canon. We need them to feel the heat for capitulating to the dictator.
I'd suggest Democrats go step further and start publishing grades for each media outlet in terms of their integrity and commitment to the journalistic canon, much like Nate Silver published grades for pollsters. That was effective. Nobody wants to be called out with a D or F.
Edit history
Recommendations
14 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):