On Conservatism's Future: News Media

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, is to protect us, the citizens of the United States, from federal encroachment on our personal freedoms.  The First Amendment in particular is well known for its protections, particularly of religion and speech.  Just as important as these well-known foundations of American freedom is the freedom of the press.

Something the Founding Fathers understood was the importance of a press independent of government control.  They lived in a time where independent sources of news truly became common place.  Indeed, the war for independence may never have gained support were it not for colonial newspapers spreading the news of the fight for liberty.  That was the beginning of the proud American tradition of the free press.

Governments can always be counted on to try and exceed their mandates.  Those in power often wish to keep power.  Even those who accept the limits on their power will try to push and circumvent those limits as they are best able.  The purpose of a free press is ensure that these abuses are caught and exposed, so that free people may hold their officials accountable.

In the modern day, a vast majority of media outlets have abdicated that responsibility.  Many have become poorly disguised or open advocates for (primarily liberal) agendas.  The way stories are reported seem to always put a positive spin on the liberal perspective.  Often, that is the only viewpoint that will be expressed, leaving many ignorant to the fact there is a counterpoint.  Most egregiously, the media's adoration of Barack Obama has caused serious journalism on his administration to take a back seat.  He can do no wrong.  Any real attempt to find out the truth on the numerous lies of this White House (Benghazi, Fast & Furious, Obama's radical past, etc.) are either ignored or met with skepticism and scorn.

The objective of the press is the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be to find.  Yet, the modern press lies.  Not directly, but by omission of relevant facts, opinions and entire stories.

As it operates now, the modern press is possibly the greatest threat to the republic.

Fortunately, this may also be the easiest problem for conservatives to solve.

While the mainstream media generally tries to discredit outlets that are less liberal-leaning, it is clear that there are already many fine sources for news that are not major networks and newspapers.  Many have been started by average citizens.  Indeed, becoming a journalist does not require schooling or any sort of credentials.  All it requires is a thirst for truth and a desire to find it, no matter the cost.  Bloggers tend to discover and blow open major stories long before any mainstream outlet is inclined to even start sniffing around.

One thing suggested is the creation of more conservative-leaning television networks to counter liberal dominance.  This is an excellent idea.  While there is Fox News, there are a couple of problems.  First, Fox is not particularly conservative.  While it does have a strong right-leaning commentary and host base, this is primarily because conservatives aren't welcome at other networks.  Second, a right-leaning network would also create for a place to get a clear conservative message out on television.  It would also help remove the "stigma" Fox currently receives, despite FNC being a good journalistic outfit.  Once people see an actual conservative network, the smears will no long stick.

The logo that launched a million progressive nightmares.  We need a million more nightmares.

Ultimately, conservatives need to circumvent the current media establishment.  As I noted just now, conservative points of view are often ignored, lent less credence or shut out.  Barring a dramatic change in the leadership of the networks and the newspapers, this will continue to be so.  Thus we must continue to make our own, as we have, and push harder than ever to make our outlets appear legitimate in spite of the left.

Only then can we begin to turn around the chaotic world that is the press.