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Originally Posted by Osem
Some or all of that may be true but it doesn't alter the fact that people at all levels and in all positions spin and tell lies for their own ends. Look at Bliar, Bush and Clinton if you want some of the worst examples. Who's had more global power and influence, them or the Daily Star, NOTW and their ilk? You cite the Express mosque story's lies yet how many people died as a direct result of them as compared with the number who've died and are still dying as a result of Bliar's tales of WMD?
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True, but the fact that one side lies does not absolve the press from lying. We could take it further and dismiss complaints against Blair, Bush etc because there are far worse leaders in the world.
As I said in my previous post, Politicians can be held to account if they lie (or even if they tell the truth for that matter). The press does not. There is no one to call the press to account when they lie, there is with those in power. You can vote them out. And the media will make dam sure you know that they are properly lying (even if they are not).
The media also controls politics in some extent. The Sun boasted of winning last Tory victory in a general election, they are opinion makers and the way they present a party gives or takes power away from that party. One of the first phone calls Major made after the events of Black Wednesday was to phone the Sun to see how they will cover it. They hold a lot of power.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Osem
Implying, as some here do, that the tabloids are the worst offenders when it comes to porky pies is utter nonsense and that is my point. I have no problem with the tabloid media being controlled as tightly as any other form of media. In fact, I wouldn't lose a moment's sleep if they all disappeared up BBKing's posterior tomorrow, but I don't see why they should be expected to work to higher standards and/or be subject to greater controls than our glorious leaders or anyone else for that matter.
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They have fewer controls to ensure honesty, and worse they incur much more trust. People are conditioned not to believe politicians; they are not with the media. Which is scary, Since it means most of the time if the press invents a story, most people will believe it.
A more responsible media would also lead for more responsible leaders. While they have always lied New Labours culture of spin was based on a way of dealing with the media. A media which is obsessed with catchy headlines, sound bites, and easy to digest policies. They are not big fans of complexity, which almost every bill has in spades, so they tend to bil things down to a matter of good vs evil so they can sum a whole issue up without getting into details. Everything is black and white. So the politicians respond in kind. Also obsessed with getting good press because they want to win elections.
The tabloid press are just as guilty as all the things they accuse governments off. Governments may be worse, but the root of improving politicians requires a better media. Otherwise we are stuck in this cycle.