Just the facts, ma’am. But what are they?

 After over a half-century in the news business, I am often asked about news today.

 

 Everyone is critical of the media in some form or another. It’s almost unanimous: It is too opinionated…unless it conforms with MY opinion.

 

I have to admit the idea of objectivity may be out of date now that politicians are better able to manipulate the news. You used to be able to write: He said this, she said the opposite. The reader decides who is right. That was usually my approach.

 

But what if speakers are uttering outright falsehoods? Do you quote them on that? There isn’t always time to doublecheck the facts. I’m glad I am not involved in that anymore.

 

It doesn’t always work to feature news on both sides in a political campaign. I recall a time when a Democratic candidate for president made big news. AP’s general desk asked me in Washington to come up with a Republican event to balance it as one of the top stories of the day. All I could produce was President Nixon’s daughter updating plans for her wedding. They got equal billing.

                                                                                                                     

Another problem: the choice of the topic picked. Do you focus on the environmental benefits of a new air pollution rule from the government? Or do you write about the added expense to businesses?

 

What I read: Besides the local papers, of course, I read the Washington Post and New York Times. Though they are among the most thorough publications around, they have a decidedly liberal bias. Sometimes I look for other outlets to get another point of view.

 

How about TV? I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever watch TV news. The best way to increase ratings is to get viewers worked up and mad at each other. You’ve seen those panel discussions where people keep interrupting each other. My blood pressure is already high enough, thank you!

 

I remember going a couple of times a week to Sentara hospital for cardio rehab after having a stent placed in a blocked artery about five years ago. At first, I understand, they had the TV tuned to Fox News. Then they switched the TV to old reruns of “the Andy Griffith Show.”

 

I asked someone in charge about it. “Oh, heart rates were just getting too high,” she said.