IT IS NO secret that many of the network news programs we watch are cloaked with a bias toward a particular end of the political spectrum. Although the television networks themselves go to great lengths to deny the existence of spin in their presentation of the news (Bill O’Reilly literally refers to his studio as the “No Spin Zone”), it is clear that the majority of Americans are cognizant of the phenomenon of political slant within the media. Unfortunately, Americans have chosen to approach this reality with both pessimism and hostility. Some cite it as a reason not to watch the news at all (utterly ridiculous), others as a reason not to watch news programs slanted toward “the other side.” This sort of attitude is politically irresponsible and prevents the American public from using the wide array of political bias inherent in the news to enhance its political consciousness.
I cannot even count how many times I have heard friends and family members complain about how certain networks present the news through a filter designed to promote the arguments and values of either the Right or Left. The public generally assumes that Fox is the champion of the Right and MSNBC the Left. CNN is more difficult to label, but it certainly exhibits a bias in both directions depending on what time of day you happen to be watching. I am not saying that these generalizations refer to each and every show/newscaster involved with these networks, but rather that these networks as a whole tend to feature programs and guests with implicit political tendencies. All I seem to hear from fellow news watchers is complaints that all the other networks (besides the particular one they watch) are infected with this contagion of spin. It is important to note that viewers of the Right and Left demonstrate this arrogance equally; liberals complain just as vehemently about Bill O’Reilly as conservatives do about Keith Olbermann.
As a result, American news watchers have conditioned themselves to despise rival news networks, their shows and their newscasters and make the mistake of dismissing them entirely. I have liberal friends that, in their more heated moments, have wished death upon Sean Hannity but yet will admit that they have not watched more than two minutes of one of his shows or interviews — and so the story goes for conservative friends, many of whom seem convinced that Alan Colmes must hold somebody at gunpoint just to gain access to the Fox studio every afternoon. The prevailing problem among American viewers seems to be that we have become far too invested in and loyal to one particular show/newscaster. I feel compelled to thank a certain Jeff Bender of Lancaster, Ohio for giving us a humorously self-incriminating, yet sadly honest testimonial on Bill O’Reilly’s blog: “Without Fox News, I’d have to turn the T.V. off, except for Ninja Warrior and football.” Um, yikes. The fact that these sorts of internet pseudo-fan clubs dedicated to the likes of Lou Dobbs, Bill O’Reilly, and Glenn Beck even exist is a testament to the American public’s perennial susceptibility to the cult of the personality. The bottom line is that American viewers have collectively adopted an attitude toward the news media that is detrimental to their overall understanding of the competing political ideologies within America.
Instead of cozying up to one particular network, American viewers should make a concerted effort to watch rival networks in order to enhance their understanding of the other side. I understand that it is not exactly convenient or comfortable to sit through 30 minutes of Bill O’Reilly or Keith Olbermann when you disagree with practically everything each says, but please, get over it. What exactly is it that is so painful about confronting an argument or point of view that contradicts your own? Is it really that intolerable, that repulsive to deal with the reality that half of the country does not think like you? By exposing yourself to the supposed “dark side,” you will be surprised by what you can gain from a fresh perspective. It is undeniable that encountering and thinking through arguments in opposition to your own grants you two opportunities, both equally beneficial to yourself and the country’s political awareness as a whole: You will either fortify your existing confidence in your political alignment or feel compelled to reassess where you stand on one or more of the crucial issues facing the country today. Strive to overcome the crippling sentiment that “ignorance is bliss” when it comes to understanding the other side of the political spectrum. You will find yourself far better equipped to debate even the most virulent of liberal “nutcases” or conservative “hawks,” whatever be your need, when you have actually confronted their arguments and can consequently anticipate and refute them accordingly.
Jed Crumbo is a Cavalier Daily Viewpoint Writer.
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