Who Should We Trust

Fox News

To start, I have never spent much time watching Fox News. I find the reporting slanted in a way which is distasteful. Before watching Fox one must remember it was formed to provide a conservative take on the news.

For the most part it more opinion then actual news.

Recent events and it support of Donald Trump’s claims that the election was stolen. That Jan 6th was a big party held to celebrate Donald Trump make Fox News in my mind untrustworthy. I won’t change my opinion any time soon.

MSNBC and CNN

I do watch both often. In response to Fox News both also are more opinion then reporting the news. But recent events around Andrew Cuomo provide a major difference. As recently as last spring he was given high marks for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. His state was hit hard. But he handled the news with openness and did not question the science.

Did he do everything right? No, in fact his policies probably made some situations worse. But New York state is not being hit as hard as the pandemic deniers.

Now he has another problem. He has been accused of sexual misconduct in the work place.

Far from running away and defending Andrew Cuomo, both networks are airing reports that he should resign. Indications are that Fox News attacks the accusers when Republicans are accused of the same or worse conduct. For this I give both MSNBC and CNN a higher rating.

They at least hear the facts. Fox manufactures the facts to fit their scenario.

CBS News

This network has long been the standard bearer for network news. I’ll admit to not watching often. When I have watched the stores are fair and balanced.

NPR and Public Broadcasting

Long though of as liberal. Governmental funding has been withdrawn because of it. News stories are not glossed over. They attempt to broadcast both sides.

I listen when in the car, which with the pandemic, is seldom.

I trust this news above all others.

Why is this discussion important?

A democracy requires an informed electorate. If we only listen to biased news there is no balance. In todays world the news we watch helps form our opinions. Yes we have a free press, but is it balanced? The answer in most cases is no. We are not given facts but opinions.

In many cases by choosing a network, we have predetermined our answers. This is a dangerous path we take. The networks themselves divide us.

We must demand that the press provide fair and objective reporting. Opinions are for us to make, not the news.

Without some change in how the networks report the news. Saving our democracy will be more difficult.