The Integrity of Hard News Programs: A Shield Against Sophistry
In an era marred by misinformation and sensationalism, hard news programming remains a pillar of integrity, firmly anchored in the pursuit of truth. Unlike the chaotic Internet landscape and cable news opinion shows, where falsehoods can spread like wildfire, these reputable news sources uphold a commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and the complete dissemination of factual information. This stark dichotomy underscores the importance of distinguishing between reliable journalism and the rampant spread of false or misleading information.
In my new book, I write about how fake news rarely appears in hard news television programming. That’s because if an error is discovered, retractions occur, and any story wrongly reported is corrected. The problem arises when audiences believe they are watching hard news programming, but what they are really watching are opinion shows. Commentators construct their opinions as statements of facts, and they may even associate a fact with their opinion, so their views also look like facts. This is using facts to sell you lies. Constructing an opinion to appear as fact creates misinformation. And when misinformation is then used to mislead an audience, it becomes disinformation. Why do they want to report disinformation? Because it helps their agenda.
Enter the era of sophistry and acrimony, epitomized by the divisive rhetoric and disregard for truth that characterized the presidency of Donald Trump and his continuing efforts to be re-elected. While political polarization and media bias have long been features of American democracy, Trump's tenure saw a brazen assault on objective reality, with falsehoods and conspiracy theories increasing at an alarming rate. Because American pop culture often emulates what is seen on TV, citizens with some affinity with Trump now behave similarly. They’ll say and do anything to support and defend their dysfunctional personal or collective ego. Like Trump, they hate being wrong and are unwilling to acquiesce to reality or facts. Many (not all) Trump supporters have a bias blind spot. To them, he can do no wrong.
The former president's disdain for traditional news outlets, which he frequently derided as "fake news," further fueled public skepticism and undermined confidence in established media institutions. My book explains how Trump cleverly condemns “fake news” while he single-handedly creates most of it. While all news media is constructed to persuade or tell a complete truth, so-called “fake news” is rarely found on hard news programs. It does, however, find its way on TV News networks, as we have seen with FOX News after they were found liable for defamation because their opinion shows that aired (complete with the FOX News banner) propagated information, ideas, and opinions they themselves didn’t believe and knew were false.
Sophistry refers to using clever but deceitful arguments, often used to mislead or deceive others. It involves employing fallacious reasoning or rhetorical devices to make a weak or flawed argument appear convincing. Sophistry can be characterized by cherry-picking evidence, employing logical fallacies, using emotional appeals, and engaging in ad hominem attacks- Trump’s favorite tactic. Cable news, opinion shows, and individuals often use sophistry to bolster their arguments and make their views appear valid or authoritative. Indeed, sophistry can be a powerful tool for manipulating public opinion and advancing personal agendas, particularly in environments lacking critical thinking or where individuals are susceptible to emotional appeals. By understanding sophistry and becoming educated in media literacy and persuasion, audiences can better discern between genuine arguments and manipulative tactics, fostering a more informed and discerning public discourse.
At the heart of national news networks and hard news programming lies a dedication to journalistic principles that safeguard against the propagation of falsehoods. While no institution is infallible, these networks prioritize fact-checking, thorough research, and editorial oversight to ensure the integrity of their reporting. Unlike partisan outlets or social media platforms driven by algorithmic biases, these networks prioritize the public interest above all else. While ideological leanings may exist within certain media organizations, reputable news outlets strive to maintain a balanced and nuanced perspective, presenting diverse viewpoints without succumbing to partisan agendas. Unfortunately, the internet and cable news opinion shows provide fertile ground for disseminating falsehoods, where viral rumors and sensational headlines can easily overshadow factual reporting.
Despite these challenges, hard news programming has remained steadfast in its commitment to journalistic integrity. The rarity of fake news on national news networks and hard news channels is a testament to the enduring value of responsible journalism. In an age marked by sophism and acrimony, their commitment to accuracy and integrity serves as a beacon of truth, illuminating the path forward in an increasingly uncertain world.
