Walter Cronkrite was the most trusted name in television news for several decades. I can still remember seeing his evening news broadcast on our black and white TV. At that time, the networks had standards to follow. Those standards were given to them by the Federal Communication Commission. If those strict standards were not followed, there was a very present fear of losing one’s broadcasting license. 

Slowly, with 24/7 news coverage like CNN and FNC, TV news started to become profitable. At one time, the news was driven by standards of truth. Soon, with multiple FCC changes and lower standards, the news would become driven by advertisers and Nielsen ratings.  News broadcaster Ted Koppel once said, “News organizations went from delivering the news you need, even if you don’t want it, to the news you want even if you don’t need it.”

In 1949 the Fairness Doctrine was created to keep news broadcasters from advocating from only one position. Yes, both positions had to be shared according to the Fairness Doctrine. In other words, any news shared must be balanced by the opposing views and voices.

On August 4, 1987, the commission voted to repeal the Fairness Doctrine and ever since we have had to endure partisan media. So much of the news media has lost its way and has forgotten why they even exist. They no longer serve the public with fair and balanced truth; they serve the public with one-sided opinion. Now we have both underreported and overreported broadcasts in which the truth means little. 

Proverbs 12:22 – Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.

Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.

I Thessalonians 5:21 – But test everything; hold fast to what is good.

Now you know the rest of the story… I am so thankful there is a truth to hold onto. Jesus prayed:

Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)