Is this the best we’ve got?

If It’s News then It’s News
(if not, say so)

by BB Curtis

If you are going to call yourself a news station or network, then report the news.  Merriam-Webster says:

news|
noun, plural in form but singular in construction, often attributive
\ ˈnüz  , ˈnyüz \
Definition of news
1a: a report of recent events
gave her the good news
b: previously unknown information
I’ve got news for you
c: something having a specified influence or effect
the rain was good news for lawns and gardens— Garrison Keillor
the virus was bad news
From <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/news>

For additional clarity, let’s take a look at what “information” means. Merriam-Webster says

information
noun
in·​for·​ma·​tion | \ ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən  \
Definition of information
1a(1): knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction
(2): INTELLIGENCE, NEWS
(3): FACTS, DATA
b: the attribute inherent in and communicated by one of two or more alternative sequences or arrangements of something (such as nucleotides in DNA or binary digits in a computer program) that produce specific effects
c(1): a signal or character (as in a communication system or computer) representing data
(2): something (such as a message, experimental data, or a picture) which justifies change in a construct (such as a plan or theory) that represents physical or mental experience or another construct
d: a quantitative measure of the content of information
specifically: a numerical quantity that measures the uncertainty in the outcome of an experiment to be performed
2: the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence
3: the act of informing against a person
4: a formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting officer as distinguished from an indictment presented by a grand jury
From <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/information>

As should be rather clear and succinct, information is FACTS.  Nowhere in the four definitions of “information” do the words “opinion” or “conjecture” appear.  I suppose that I could define the word “report” using a dictionary, but I’ll allow the reader to do that to save some space, but a report is a detailed and factual record of an event. 

If this is not what you cover during the time you are on the air, on (what seems like) endless loops, or in published form either electronic or on paper, then you are a talk show or gossip sheet. Again, I go to Merriam-Webster to be sure that we are all clear on the meaning of the words (which seems to be a HUGE problem these days):

talk show
noun
Definition of talk show
: a radio or television program in which usually well-known persons engage in discussions or are interviewed
Examples of talk show in a Sentence
She asked the actor to appear on her talk show.
From <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talk%20show>

The distinguishing characteristics of each type need to be made clear so that users of that form of media understand what is news and what is everything else.  News is the reporting of facts.  I read so many things that people are repeating based on what they think are news reports.  They are being deceived. 

We have truth in advertising laws in the US.  They were designed for three main purposes:

• Ensure Truthfulness and Non-Deception
• Promote Fact-Checking
• Warn Consumers and Prevent Harm
  From <https://bizcounsel.com/articles/the-truth-in-advertising-laws-what-you-should-know>

The public, as consumers of news, should be able to expect that the advertisements we see and read that promote what are purported to be news reporting sources are reporting news – not opinion or conjecture.  Otherwise, the source needs to be taken to task by our legal system and have charges brought based on their ads that are not truthful, that are deceptive, that are not fact-checked, and that cause harm to consumers.

It’s really that simple.  Our legal system is wasting precious time allowing frivolous suites as well as helping over-dramatized suites stretch and expand what racks up additional air time and talk time on social media.  If you haven’t already come to this conclusion, let me rush you right along here — GREED!  What generates cash is much more important to EVERYTHING in the US.  Legal, medical, economic, social, financial, religion, real estate, political, you name it.  If there’s a buck in it, get out the way! 

©Bobbi Bartsch Curtis, 2022, All Rights Reserved