That’s all! To view all the Myths go back to Myth #4, Myth#3, Myth #2, and Myth #1.
If you’re unable to view the image above, see text below.
5. MYTH: The media’s role is to be objective and non-biased, as well as provide both sides an equal voice
FACT: The role of journalism in a democracy is inform the public and hold those in power accountable to essentially prevent the state from abusing its power. In the case of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, this is not an equal level playing field as presented above. The conflict is the modern day David and Goliath in which a genocide is taking place. In the case of human rights abuses, the media’s role in informing the public of this kind of injustice is important to ensure the injustice does not continue.
Most recently, the American corporate media announced that it would present both sides to the story and let the public decide for themselves which side they sympathized with. This is a disservice to the public because in the case of human rights abuses, the media’s role is to hold those committing human rights abuses accountable by informing the public of the injustice taking place to ensure the injustice does not continue, especially when a defenseless people are being ethnically cleansed. The media’s role is also to work in the interest of the people not act as a mouthpiece for governments, corporations and lobby groups.