By Jerry Riley

The James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies” depicts a media mogul who creates news and his services are always there to report it. He said the media has always led the politicians. Is this as far out as it seems?
Sure, they used a lot of technology and gadgets in the movie, but is the basic premise true today? Simple observation indicates that it may be.
Look at some of the national news broadcasters– the anchor men and women. Some of them seem to think that what they say is news, rather than just reporting what is news/ After a political speech, many of the political analysts think they have to explain to the people what the politician meant. Maybe they’re just justifying their high salary, but, maybe, just maybe, telling us their views and trying to make us think it came from our elected employees.
After the debt crisis I heard one newsman make the comment that we could just print more money. These are the people we rely on to keep us informed?
As we enter the campaign season, it might be worth remembering that some news people, some entire networks, do not just report the news. Rather they may only give a limited or one-sided view of the candidates, portraying an inaccurate picture to their audience and possibly helping to fix an election, and what a revoltin’ development this is! Even the reporters who try to give the big picture may let their personal views show through. This is not limited to the electronic media.
When you start researching candidates, look at multiple sources, preferably primary sources, for your information. Sift through it and come to your own conclusions. Remember, you the voter are one of the things that makes this country great. Don’t shirk your responsibility!

Jerry Riley is an occasional commentator for the News Bulletin. He is a retired telecommunications supervisor.