Back in the early years of television, folks watched Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner solve crime cases on Dragnet. While the phrase “Just the facts, Ma’am “ never actually was in the script, it was attributed to it and the phrase stuck, so to speak. How does that figure in to more current times ? Well, think about it. How often do we listen to what people are saying and wonder, what if what they are saying is actually true. If it be so, that’s a good thing. If not so, that cannot be good. And, one should ask, does it matter in every context or only certain ones.

For example, in the realm of story telling, there are legends and lore and all sort of concoctions that get the moral of a story across. If you grew up in the Hudson River Valley, there were trolls, dwarfs, covered bridge tolls and the ever present Headless Horseman – all wonderful weavings of a little history, a little geography and a little magic. We all are enriched by the stories from wherever we grew up. But, while legends and stories are one thing, as it pertains to news, the need for facts – real hard facts – is quite a different question.
In the days of John Cameron Swayze, Douglas Edwards and Walter Cronkite, the news was the news. Items were delivered and not usually discussed. That was held for later in the broadcast when notables like Eric Severeid and Edward R Murrow would offer analysis and at the beginning of the segment, they clearly noted it was opinion.
As time moved on, newscasts became increasingly seasoned with commentary and while offering news items, often the anchor would offer some observations about the story. Today, the scenario is completely different and, with a few notable exceptions, news is almost always delivered with a slant, depending on the story, the anchor and most importantly, the network. The same holds true for the print media – both print and digital – and to some observers , even more so.
Generally, people get their news from all three sources, though one can note the dwindling popularity of the traditional newspaper print mode. [ Parenthetically, there is still something special about enjoying a mug of coffee along with the Sunday New York Times out on the patio in the morning. ] It is also true that most choose their source based on how closely that source caters to their political point of view and their particular slant, if you will. However, therein may lie a significant part of the problem.
The adage often seen on this sight that this nation is being plagued by fear and ignorance plays into this issue of news and the news media in a large way. Using the term “ignorance” in the classical sense of “ unknowing” fits like the proverbial glove. As earlier, should one have to ask whether what one hears as news is accurate or not is part of the temper of our times and asking that question is not only advisable, it is indeed critical.
Time and time again, reliable information sources have revealed that some so called news sources have taken slant to the level of absurd, in effect rewriting events and the stories behind them to fit their own agenda. Fox news, while allegedly being the sole source of news for a majority of those thirty-five to fifty-five, is famous or better , infamous for this. There is no other way to describe it – they flat out lie. And regrettably, they are not alone. Leaving the alt-right, lunatic fringe aside for now – sadly many actually buy in to their nonsense . There are numerous so called news outlets who are guilty of this. We are not speaking of slant here. We are speaking of deception. We should accept that slant is a part of news and, while it should not be the case, it definitely is. MSNBC’s on air talent is slanted to the left and while delivering stories that may be factual in content, their commentary on them is clearly a bit leaning. CNN, while presenting much of the same in terms of event coverage, does move to a more centrist, right of center posture.The National Review,on the other hand, is decidedly right leaning. The venerable conservative magazine, founded by William F. Buckley, has carved out its place in news commentary as a bastion of conservative thinking and it is recognized as such with no hesitation.
The Washington Post and the New York Times, both exceptional newspapers, while offering news as news with facts and figures produced by serious journalists ( most of the time ), does portray in its editorial presentations, a left leaning position.
There are so many outlets available to news wonks – some worthy of attention, some not worth the paper they are printed on or the space they take up in the airwaves – and fairly much the spectrum of opinion goes along with it. What then is one to do if one is to find a way to break out of this “ fear and ignorance”

Unless you are a real news wonk or an investigative reporter ( tabloid dirt diggers are not even considered here ), it is not expected that you survey a significant number of the huge number of sites and publications out there. It would be simply just overwhelming. Additionally, I doubt very much if the everyday household subscribes to the “Green Sheets” or wire services.
There are some, then, who do scan a larger than usual number of outlets and also take the time to do research, seeking out primary sources such as actual legislation or first run video or voting records etc.
For the majority of those out there, though,, a little strategy suggestion. Take a minute and exercise some judgement, some intelligence and some due diligence, as it were. For those left leaning, take a look at right side sources ; for those right leaning, take a look at left side sources. One is not saying agreement is essential but what is clear is that somewhere between the farther left and the farther right there is an honest answer. From there, an intelligent opinion will be formed and can be constructively argued. However, keep in mind the caution of the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan – while one is entitled to one’s own opinion, one is not entitled to one’s own facts. Today, fear and ignorance are the ruling elements. Tomorrow, this need not be the case !