It’s pretty simple really, but let’s not make a sweeping statements or tar everyone with the same brush. I’ll re-phrase that; why can’t 98% of the main steam media tell the truth? Well in my often not so humble opinion, this problem of honesty comes down to another pesky thing called money – namely the love of it. It’s not that all reporters are money obsessed – far from it – many have great intension to report honestly and change the world for the better in doing so.
The problem is, money is needed in order to have a livelihood – to eat, and to feed your family, and of course to get ahead of other news outlets and reporters – the riches the allure of which is something most humans are unable, in and of themselves (without God’s humbling Spirit) to resist. We’re all subject to the problem of being bought out and having to tow the ‘party’ line to remain employed – be it in our cake shop, the music industry – everywhere, including this little online magazine. So I don’t want to get on my high horse.
So think of the average clever and hungry for success grads leaving college and landing themselves a dream job at Clown News, Yazoo or ABCD Inc. or some other news outlet owned by a bazillion foreign investors and/or some far off oligarch somewhere in some distant country who has 101 special interests other than the people of the country where the outlet is based, trying to state the truth when he or she knows it might show the interests of the company owners or the owners themselves in a bad light – it simply can’t be done if one wants to retain their job.
One day these well-paid enthusiastic college grads are asked to report on some unpalatable – unsavoury news that just happens to be the truth – but that really doesn’t sit well with the paying viewers, advertisers or investors. Buy this time they have a small family, mouths to feed, PC school meetings to attend – a close nit group of cool city slicker friends of various persuasions to impress and stay in with – many with lifestyles and views that in private they might disagree or disapprove of but in public must agree in order to retain their status, connections and job, plus 101 other peer pressures from family and all that comes with this ungodly thing we call political correctness – but which is just that – political – by dictionary standards something or some position said or held to for effect and not necessarily because it’s true.
Now it doesn’t take a genius to guess what will happen. If you are not made of steel, the whole business of being an honest reporter can easily descend into a charade, but out of necessity and survival more than anything else – not because these folks are all bad. Most reporters I’m sure start with good intentions, but you simply can’t run the story as it is and keep your job. The truth has to be doctored to suit the tasted and preferences of ALL the many different groups involved with the news outlet, and to satisfy the free speech rules – or not as the case may be of whatever government is in place. That or be taken off the air, go bust and not be able to feed your family. The truth is always compromised by money and has been since the year dot. In fact there is sometimes so much money involved that the truth can literally get you killed. It was the truth that got our Lord killed.
The thing is we all know this – but I think we forget from time to time that the Bible was absolutely right when it said to basically, in so many words, follow the money; that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (on this earth – I’ll add, to give it it’s obvious but often missed meaning since of course there are greater forces at work in the heavens).
So then once in a while you get a character – love him or hate him that doesn’t need the money – doesn’t need to be PC and all hell breaks lose. Another thing to note – is that when you are speaking truth, you can be sure you will have more enemies than friends. This does not always mean that the Trumps of the word right, but if you really are speaking truth – you will have more enemies period. In an era of mixed and confused messages and half-truths, I find it’s sometimes a good litmus test to look at who is supporting a view and who isn’t, to help me determine who might be telling the truth – or at least who is trying to be more honest. But sometimes it’s just obvious to everyone. Like when a bunch of multinational big-business bosses who make much or their products at dirt cheap rates abroad leave a business council in the dust and say it’s for reason X – you can be pretty sure it’s really for reason Y that strangely relates to theirs and their investors pockets.
The truth is, wether we recognise it or not this money versus truth problem actually affects all of us whatever position we are in – rich, poor – small business owner or Google CEO, or even church, something I and many Christians, and others who love truth battle with daily. It’s one reason I’m sure there will be no money in heaven – but that’s another article!
I love God, Christ, The Bible. art, painting, playing music, improvising music, guitar (first instrument), drumming (not very good at it:), and anything musical or art related. Quick note – my articles are usually spun off in minutes so forgive any errors – hopefully you get the essence of the article and I’ll pick up mistakes later. If you want to write of 101ChristianMagazine and inspire and edify Christians with articles on faith, general news, hobbies or anything that interests you email me at: epgb101@gmail.com:)
