After reading "Off Course" by Michael Massing and "Facts, Fallacies, and Fears of Tabloidization" by Linn Washington and listening to both Josh Marshall and Jeff Cohen talk about independent media, I've come to a conclusion. All the talk about the mainstream media being too sensational, basing their story content on business models or large corporate agendas, or working towards making a profit versus serving democracy is becoming a bit tiresome. Everyone has an agenda, a purpose, and an opinion. This is unavoidable. The world is not perfect. I think the best answer to these complaints is the rise of more independent journalists.
People spend so much time criticizing what is being covered in the news (which is fine because there's nothing wrong with criticism). But the more voices and opinions joining the conversation, the more news is being covered. It allows for people to see the many sides to one story. We are not limited to mainstream media, so it's not so horrible if they are not covering exactly what they should be covering.
Of course, even independent media groups, such as Josh Marshall's team of ten, are out there to make money. That's how you survive in this world. As long as we realize everyone has a reason for saying what he or she is saying, we can gain the information and examine a story from multiple angles unlike ever before. So, all this worry about tabloidization or worry about Britney Spears coverage dominating the news isn't something to be too concerned about. It's a new age; an age with an unlimited amount of sources of information and perceptions of an issue.
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