Quote:
Originally Posted by FoldnDark
Actually, I think it's less the consolidation of media and more the abundance of choice that has lead to the latest disarray. Technology (the internet mostly) has continued to produce more and more platforms for alternative media, which has decentralized ownership of the "narrative". It's probably true that MSM sources are consolidating, but that's due to their market shares being under constant assault.
The abundance of choice is an illusion. One company will own hundreds of outlets. But I don't see how abundance of choice would be to blame for the problems you mentioned.
Has the platform provided by newer technology delivered where MSM can't or won't? I don't think so, but it is not an easy question to answer. Imagine that you were a billionaire. Are you going to be looking to invest money in starting an online newspaper when trusted industry names are flailing in their attempts for find a profitable model? And if you did you would just find yourself chasing the prized demographics and operating with profits in mind, lowering of standards be damned.
What we need here is something like the BBC. Take a little out of the military budget and put it into commercial free broadcasting subject to democratic controls. This is how most developed democracies do it.