In order to find the answer as to why is the news biased we need to propose the following question:
What do the first and second world wars have in common?
World Wars 1 & 2 Comparison… The similarity may be a shocking predictor of our current sociopolitical world.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that every time a significant set of technological breakthroughs occur specifically regarding mass communication, it is followed by a period of unrest that has led to world wars.
With that, let’s focus on the similarities. Both world wars occurred in the 20th century. Why? The only way a war can become a world war is when it involves multiple nations. Before that, wars were limited to one area for the sole reason that communication technology was limited. For the most part, wars broke out over borders, and control over territories.
World War I (1914 – 1918)
Only after the industrial revolution and the advent of modern technologies could a world war happen. The perfection of the printing press in the late 1800’s allowed for multinational mass communication. Suddenly this new media could allow ideas, current events and information to flow into every home within hours. Both citizen and governmental sources of information was changed forever.
While the newspaper media had seen steady growth throughout the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the real game changer was the radio.
Radio
The radio was the first system of mass communication that could broadcast events in real-time. While journalism was able to influence political and social issues significantly, newsprint had its limitations. There is limited room for influence with print compared to the impact caused when voice inflection is involved.
In 1938 a radio broadcast was narrated by actor Orson Wells. The actor / director depicted the classic science fiction “War of the Worlds” in an unusual medium. He decided to portray the classic alien invasion science fiction in a style as if a newscaster was eye whiteness to space aliens landing and attacking us. The skillful voice actor was so believable he sent many into utter panic.
Movies
Technological breakthrough: 3
Around the same time, silent movies were becoming a popular form of entertainment throughout this period as well, usually accompanied by a piano player and occasionally some sound effects. During the movie a good part of the message was infused with feeling through the emotional tone of the accompanying instrumental. For example during a silent movie scene the viewer is easily nudged to accept the actions of the actors being sinister when dark mysterious music is playing during a scene. Conversely, light happy music was able to enhance the comical episodes. The late 1920’s and 30’s gave birth to the widely celebrated coordinated sound movies.
World War II (1939 to 1945)
“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed” (Adolf Hitler)
Pre-war Germany was inundated with antisemitic posters and short films before the main feature at movie theaters. Print, radio and the new television journalism was forced to promote Nazi propaganda or be forced out of business, jailed or killed. People couldn’t even propose the question of why is the news biased? During period that led up to world war II in Germany.
Television
The late 1930s and 40s saw the advent of television. This was the ultimate combination of attributes. The power of persuasion was now unstoppable. The best, most talented, most clever, most attractive actors, speakers, comics, and the like can come alive in the comfort of our homes. Entertainment, sporting events, and news can have even more impact over being physically at the stadiums or locations. The camera can focus on closeups and facial expressions for anyone. Even the most important public figure can feel like they are interacting on a personal level, giving the viewer a sense of emotional connection, just as if eye contact was made.
To say that TV is powerful is an understatement. Luckily, it is mostly used as a form of entertainment, but even as a form of entertainment, television has enormous influence. The fierce competition for viewership has resulted in writers constantly pushing the envelope to new lows. Shock value has proven very profitable, however when moral standards erode on screen the integrity of society tends to always follow. Long gone is the image of a warm loving nuclear family promoting education and morals. These values are just considered uninteresting by today’s television standard. Banter, sexual innuendo and ridicule has replaced clean upbeat shows long ago.
The 2000’s The Internet
We are currently experiencing the next technological breakthrough regarding mass communication. The world is more connected than ever. Life has changed immeasurably. Like radio and television, the internet has given birth to countless new businesses, providing millions with good-paying careers.
Something to Ponder…
Perhaps both World War 1 and World War 2 were actually wars for control….
The control over who would ultimately have jurisdiction over these new forms of, communication, and more importantly control over political and psychological manipulation.
World War 3
Those who fail to learn from the past are destined to repeat it.
Is it possible that we are in the Third World War here and now?
The players know the danger of using today’s weaponry. They know all too well we have reached a point where physical weapons can no longer allow for a winner. Conventional wars have become essentially obsolete. The new apparatus of today’s war control. Control over information, or misinformation.
The ammunition of choice; The old classics; Fear, hate, and anger.
The Only Question Left….Why is the news biased?
Will this new form of communication be controlled in a fair, ethical manner that will elevate the human condition, or will it fall into the hands of corrupt, self serving anarchists?
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