The Newsmongers: How the Media Distort the Political News

L.J. Rouse was a freelance writer in Toronto.

Most Canadians rely on television, newspapers, and radio — in that order — for information about political events. According to authors Comber and Mayne, they are not getting the straight goods. The television audience’s insatiable appetite for exciting news coverage often means emphasis on the visual element at the expense of substance. Cuts, zooms, superimpositions, voice-overs, and graphics bombard the viewer with imagery, offering little in terms of solid information.

The “star quality” of politicians is all-important to the media for it draws larger audiences. Journalists undeniably play favourites, thus influencing public opinion which, in turn, may create or destroy politicians’ images. In fact, woe betide the political frontrunner when the media love affair begins to go sour. Not so long ago Brian Mulroney could do no wrong, today ...

Then there are the political pundits who interpret political events, issues, polls, opinion for their respective audiences “as they happen.” Such analyses may well affect the very outcome of these political activities. For example, media reports may encourage some voters to feel that issues have already been decided before the vote is taken, thus negating the vital importance of active citizen participation. Or, some voters may be discouraged from “backing a loser,” even though that particular candidate may best represent their interests and beliefs.

Comber and Mayne fear that such practices as agenda setting, jamming, and instant assessment occur because of the emphasis on entertainment values, and, further, that these practices may ultimately affect the health of the democratic process in Canada: “A news service dedicated more to trustworthiness than newsworthiness would help Canadians and their political representatives to understand and to meet the challenges of tomorrow.” It is a contention worth considering.