NEW ORLEANS — The public has criticized mainstream news regarding its reliability in today’s technological world. Survey after survey shows readers do not trust news outlets in the United States due to their biases and occasional spreading of false information. However, media industry organizations strive to change people’s perceptions about news channels.
To educate journalists about this widespread issue, a screening of Trusted Sources, a documentary about this problem, was recently presented at the SPJ Region 8 & 12 Conference.
This documentary explains why people’s trust in news is so low, what aspects have shaped the modern news business, and how to detect false information. As the United States currently ranks 55th place in press freedom, this work sheds light on the increasing incidents of brutality toward journalists. The film also highlights how journalism works and discusses the decline of local news outlets, allowing viewers to gain insights regarding this complex industry.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, society has seen an increase in online misinformation. This lack of factual evidence has permitted individuals to incite violence upon others, members of the media, and even themselves.
To convey this point, the documentary, directed and produced by Don Colacino, analyzed why people distrust the news today. It surveyed random citizens. One person said his lack of confidence in the media is because newsrooms need more diversity. Another declared that much journalism is more profit-driven than mission-driven.
Journalists agree that it is becoming harder to distinguish between credible and unreliable news. Since anyone can pose as a reporter on the Internet, it is more difficult to understand what constitutes good and bad journalism.
The documentary also addressed the history of the media to understand peoples’ growing distrust of it better. It discussed the era of yellow journalism, in which media professionals used sensationalized headlines to increase their profits. Several instances of racial biases throughout the 1900s resulted in African American newspapers not receiving a fair amount of media coverage.
The film analyzed the polarization of cable news organizations, including CNN, Fox, and MSNBC. Many news channels have drawn criticism for transforming news into entertainment.
“You’re being manipulated online, and you don’t know it,” said Alex Mahadevean, the director of a digital media literacy project entitled MediaWise.
Although journalists have tried to combat the problem of misinformation by creating bills that limit its spread, none of them have passed. Therefore, this film stresses that users must practice media literacy and strive to assess the reliability of online sources. People must broaden their news diet instead of strategically selecting information that aligns with their opinions.
Colacino’s documentary underscores the need for consumers to critically assess the information they consume, which will contribute to a more informed, responsible society.
To watch this documentary, please visit the following link: https://watch.eventive.org/trustedsources/play/66245629ae4b540074ac79cb