Everyone understands that the mass media has changed drastically. Not so long ago, we relied on daily newspapers, TV, and radio for all the information we needed to help us make informed decisions and stay abreast of current events. Now, in the age of the internet, we seem to be constantly bombarded with headlines, updates, and “breaking news” from our laptops, desktops, and cell phones—not to mention our TVs and radios!
However, as mass media has become so pervasive in our lives, one thing that hasn’t changed is the existence of “spin.” The explosion of media outlets in recent years has dramatically increased the pervasiveness of spin and made it harder to find truly objective reporting. With fierce competition among media companies, and the line between news, advertising, and “infotainment” growing thinner, modern journalists are under more pressure than ever to cut corners and put pleasing their bosses ahead of serving the public on their priority lists.
