CIC, your entire post is spot-on. I'm still puzzled, if not surprised, over the dearth of discussion regarding "gravitas". Weeks were spent on this non-issue during 2000, and it's a non-issue with me. I simply think that the Drive By Media needs to be called to account for their inconsistency.
I simply think that the Drive By Media needs to be called to account for their inconsistency.
You don't call people to account when they are your superiors, and people who have broadcast licenses are your superiors - just ask them, they'll tell you.They tell you all the time, just not in those words. But what does it actually mean, when journalists claim to be "objective?" Nothing else but that when they talk, your proper function is to shut up and listen. It is pure sophistry. "Soph" is Greek for wisdom, and "sophistry" is simply shutting down debate by claiming superior wisdom. "Philosophy" is simply refusing to claim wisdom but only claiming to love wisdom - being openminded.
There is really only one way to call broadcast journalists to account - sue them and the FCC to enforce the requirement that broadcasters operate in the public interest. And not merely to interest the public, which (e.g., pornography) is in principle an altogether different thing.