What Are the News You Can Trust?
Human Interest Relies on the Most Accurate News
As we meet the New Year 2017, so much of our attention is directed to the accuracy of the news we read, hear, and experience. For much of the last century, human interest has been drawn to the regular publication of news on which we can rely. First in print, then on television, we turn to the news media on a regular basis for the facts we need to thrive and survive.
What does it take to be a journalist, as opposed to a good storyteller? Oral storytelling has been part of the story of humanity from the time language started. Verbal histories weave the tale of our human tapestry for thousands of years, until the advent of print. With actual, written stories, the need to be accurate increased.
The Changing Media over the Years
The reason for the accuracies, of fact, substance, and structure, were expected so as not to detract from the story. It became increasingly clear that stories were one thing, and facts we needed to know should be less obscure. Storytelling may relay an important moral; but when it comes to facts, sugar coating the news can bring problems.
So, we grew to rely on not only a good and effective story, we grew to rely on the news for the facts. Important new ideas, examples, evidence, scientific innovations, and more all came to us in newsprint. We fought two world wars before television invaded our homes in the 1950s.
News Reading and Story Telling – Entertaining?
Over time and especially in our recent history, we have come to see the “paper tales” of books become ever more visually appealing. It is no longer adequate for an orator or statesman to stand behind a podium and make a speech. Today, press releases give way to “media events,” where things are televised and scripted as well as any play of yore.
With so much focus on cosmetics and fitting the next sound bite to appeal to the audience, the ‘show’ of reporting rides in front of the truth, which often feels like it takes a back seat. These televised plays have ratings and advertisers, after all; even more than ticking off the sales of newspapers and magazines once did. In reaching the eyes and ears of ‘consumers,’ our most trusted news sources have become what is called ‘infotainment.’
Internal Recognition of What Reaches Us
And all of what assails our eyes and ears can sometimes fail to ring true with what our own internal, gut feelings are on the subject. The news takes on the job of reporting the latest actions as they happen. It remains up to us to ingest and assimilate that information. Good reporters do not worry about just looking and sounding good on camera. They have the skill to report to us in a language we can grasp.
Like any good story, we come to trust the actors giving the performance. Think of some of the more popular news reporters over the years: Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, and others. They were not only welcome into our living rooms; they had the respect of the audience, and that respect worked both ways. In today’s disposable news environment, we must weed through the fluff and trappings, past the stylish clothes and graphical technology that meets our eyes, to arrive at the real information being relayed.
How to Determine the Most Accurate News?
Online news articles can be used to manipulate people who do not question its authenticity. Some of the more responsible online sources have moved to make it a little easier to know when you are dealing with a reliable source. To find the most accurate sites on the web these days, there may be stars, flags, banners, or other check marks to indicate reliability.
Whatever we read or accept as news ought to be more than gossip. It ought to be more than downright lies, and more than manipulation. When it comes to the most accurate news today, it is like any marketplace: Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware.
