Truth and Value in the Media

by Alternative Voice Staff

Who do you choose to trust in the cacophony of voices?

Where do you stand, and where is your place in all that passes before us? What islands of opinion, continents of thought, shores of philosophy do you stand upon? Consider the various radio and television programs, books, essays, articles, speeches, interviews, debates, and other forms of media that have had a significant impact on your life, on your thinking process, and the way your heart has developed. We have been shaped and molded, for better or worse, throughout life by the media sources surrounding us.

The significance of various media for influencing people has been and is increasingly well understood by those in positions of power and influence. Within the fallen system are forces that oppress, distort, and veil truth. The better we know the nature of the beast, the better we may counter the degradation it fosters. As the world becomes increasing overloaded with barrages of information from innumerable sources, how do we discern who to believe and what to believe?

As a reader of an alternative media source, you’ve already taken a step in learning for yourself, but this is just the beginning for many. Even if you’re a seasoned activist living off "the grid" without a TV, that doesn’t mean you’ve got it down perfectly as to how to discern what is truth and what is misleading in what you are told.

Let us consider our focus, our attention, in any given moment, as a vote. When we choose to read, view, or listen to a source of information, we are giving it our attention; time and energy; our moment’s vote. These are times of great decision. Every day, hour, and minute of digesting and incorporating information can make a difference to the whole planet’s outcome. Thus, we must constantly scrutinize our relationship with media and what it serves. This includes all sources, whether they are non-government organizations (NGOs), grassroots movements, or corporately-owned monopolies.

Anyone who takes the time to seek alternative sources for local, national, or world news easily finds that much goes unreported in the mass media. What is mass- reported is often extremely limited in scope, perspective, and depth. Corporate media is owned and controlled by General Electric, Westinghouse/CBS Inc., Viacom International, Disney, Time-Warner, and News Corporation/Fox Networks. Not only do these corporations own the mass media, but other holdings and interests among them include local television stations; electronics; military hardware; nuclear power plant design and parts manufacturing; book, magazine, and newspaper publishing companies; film companies, cable systems; major music record labels; sports teams; and numerous other entities that influence our lives. Just understanding that the intent of the corporate system is to dominate the market and maximize profits awakens one to the forces behind the consumer culture.

It’s not difficult to find alternative information sources. However, in what may seem at first glance to be progressive, pro-environmental, or challenging to the status quo, upon further investigation, we discover many are a veiled source of prettied-up propaganda. When one begins to trace the roots of media sources, to the hand that feeds them, and understands the backing and agendas that control them, then deeper discernment and choices should come.
Perhaps we must begin by posing some essential questions for thought and reflection about seeking truth and value in media.

  1. What are the sources from which you get the local, national, and international news?
  2. Who are the owners of the sources? What are their biases, agendas, purposes? Who funds them?
  3. Do you subscribe to periodicals or listen to broadcasts whose mission it is to step out of the mainstream beat and offer other and often more progressive perspectives—periodicals like Utne Reader, Z Magazine, and independent, community-based radio stations?
  4. Do you feel the coverage is comprehensive, holistic, and well-balanced in perspectives?
  5. How does the information and perspective affect your consciousness? Does it promote cynicism, trust, pessimism, despair, hope, fear, anger, accountability...? What is the value of such information; what does it serve for you? Does the information you are exposed to stimulate the desire to contribute your time and talents to making the world a better place? Does it inspire you to expand your mind and grow spiritually?

If you stop and ask yourself these questions the next time you watch a major news network or pick up the New York Times, you may pause and reflect on the experience. Make some decisions about who and what you support in the media, and speak out. "Vote"—lend an ear, give a dollar, subscribe to alternative media sources, write a letter of support or offer constructive criticism. Your life and your choices contribute to the planet’s future.