For The Record
NPR and PBS have always been news. So how much do Americans actually trust them? The divisive nature of this can be seen in the results of a recent Marist poll.
Choose your news wisely; it determines elections. While we’re seeing polarized views, it is critical to ask what platforms are doing to affect how people will vote. Getting this one thing could solve the riddle of that morass called modern journalism.
More than half of voters believe that NPR and PBS produce biased news, according to the poll. Is this distrust warranted? To many, the two outlets are seen as too liberal; conversely, others laud the two for their fairness.
What about younger voters? They are much less willing to engage with traditional media. This gap between generations suggests problems for the future of journalism.
Will younger Americans search for other news outlets? We should not turn a blind eye to the lethargy and emotional pressure of this trust deficiency. The role of media in shaping public perception and ultimately policy responses is crucial.
We live in what seems to be the era of misinformation, which spawns uncertainty and dread. Well, how do NPR and PBS earn that trust back? Perhaps overcoming criticism and engaging with communities more regularly could help.
But being open and transparent could go a long way. Finally, how does this erosion of trust in media affect larger picture issues? A circulating knowledge is a prerequisite of an integrated community.
If news is viewed through partisan filters, what chance is there for any constructive dialogue?
