Two leading journalists discuss declining trust in the media
The 2017 Edelman Global Trust Survey shows a greater decline in trust in the media than in government, business, and non-governmental organizations. Obviously, this is a troubling indicator in a democracy, where an independent, reliable flow of information is crucial for citizens to know about the workings of their government.
The finding is equally troubling in a digital age where so many sources of information exist. Being able to know what is “fake news” and “real news” is critical to determining a common understanding of the truth. As the old saying goes, we are entitled to our own opinions but we are not entitled to our own facts. That’s an essential point in a democracy that depends upon a common set of facts.
The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute asked two respected journalists to address these issues. Keven Willey, vice president and editorial page editor of The Dallas Morning News and the immediate past co-chair of the Pulitzer Prize Board, and Olivier Knox, White House correspondent of Yahoo!News, define in an email conversation what they consider “fake news.” They discuss the importance of journalists listening to readers and citizens. And they explain the need for readers to be open to news, analysis, and/or commentary that might challenge their own views.
Read more at this Catalyst link and share your opinions in the feedback box. And subscribe for free at the Subscribe button.
