Defending the first amendment

by Tom Campbell, Producer and Moderator, NC SPIN, August 16, 2018.

If you tell a lie long enough and often enough people will eventually believe it. That certainly seems to be the theory behind trying to convince people that the press is filled with fake news and is the “enemy of the people.”

Newspapers, TV stations, cable outlets and bloggers are uniting to write pieces in support of the freedom of the press in this country. What does it say when the media feels compelled to conduct such campaigns in support of this fundamental precept of our republic? The sad truth is that polls show a growing number believe the “enemy of the people” rhetoric; even sadder is that this attitude is being reflected in the treatment of journalists and their organizations.

I’ve been in the media business for more than 50 years and can tell you that where once those of us in the trade were respected for the job we did, some are now facing threats to their personal safety, but most all have experienced rude treatment, insults and disrespectful behavior.

Hey, you don’t have to like or agree with what I write or say on the air and I am perfectly willing for you to disagree, so long as your comments are honest and respectful, but the current treatment of those in the media world is not only unacceptable, but also untruthful and unproductive.

Let me offer two personal thoughts. The first is that the media itself has been duped into constantly reporting and playing these attacks. Some might even think it increases ratings, viewership or readership, but they don’t understand the damage they are doing to their profession. I wonder what would happen if media outlets just stopped covering those “fake news, enemy of the people” demagogues or, at the least, refused to report these constant harangues. I’ll wager that if the coverage ceased so would the charges, because more than anything else these making these outlandish statements crave news coverage.  At least the lies wouldn’t constantly be repeated and reinforced in minds willing to believe such drivel.

The second is that since the earliest days of this country we have depended on citizens being able to discern truth from hyperbole. You have the choice to determine what you read and who you watch. One thing of which I am sure is this: if enough of you stop reading or watching, changes will be made.  

I recognize there is bias in some media reporting, but I also believe that most journalists and reporters are doing their best to present stories accurately. I constantly tell people to subscribe to their local newspapers and listen to local radio and TV for honest journalism.  

For 20 years I have produced and moderated a weekly TV and radio talk show called NC SPIN,built on the premise of balanced debate with seasoned and well informed thought leaders talking about issues impacting North Carolina. There are outlets where you can get civil, honest and balanced debate.

The best way to ensure free and honest journalism is to support it.