12/15/24-Evolution of the News? (Old Man Rant Warning)

I remember watching the national news when I was a kid.  You could turn on Peter Jennings or Walter Cronkite and they would spend 30 minutes reading the news, concentrating on the facts, allowing the viewer to make an informed conclusion.  If they wanted to interject their opinion you would know because it was during an editorial segment.

I read the newspaper sometimes when I was growing up.  The stories focused on facts.  There was an entire section of the newspaper you could open if you wanted to get people's views.  They even sometimes had opposing positions on a story right next to each other so the reader could look at both viewpoints.

To my recollection CNN was the first 24 hour news network.  It was nice to be able to get a complete story whenever you wanted it rather than have to wait until the 5 o'clock news.  Seeing the facts of the big stories as they were happening was a great way to see what was going on in the world.

Then something happened.  I don't know when but all the news needed to include an opinion.  Even the most basic news story on the news had to have commentary from the newscasters.  The newspaper basically disappeared, replaced by the internet where it seems every news story has a definite agenda, from the titles to the final line.

Which leads to the 24 hour news.  Whether you watch Fox, CNN or MSNBC you not only get opinion in the stories, but they choose the stories they cover based on what they can sensationalize.  They are proud of their leanings.

Don't even get me started on supposed commentary programs like "The View."  I can't imagine that Barbara Walters, a true newsperson, can be happy with the direction that show has gone.

Sports news is littered with with guys just wanting to state their opinions rather then focus on stats and results.  Late night TV is a cesspool of individual point of views and insults, rather than focus on comedy and talent.

I just can't watch the news anymore.  I miss being able to sit down and get the facts from someone I trust.  Then I can decide to look into getting more information if I need to so I can come to my own conclusions.

Today it seems everyone from the network anchor to the barely followed blogger needs to interject their opinion into every story.  And the viewer doesn't actually want the news, they just want to find someone to confirm their views of the "news."

Bring back the real news anchors.  David Brinkley.  Maria Shriver.  Bring back the sportscasters.  Vin Scully.  Rick Reilly.  Bring back the late night variety shows.  Johnny Carson.  David Letterman.  Bring back "The View."  Never mind on that one-it's a lost cause.