Show notes
Trust in the news media has declined by more than half over the last 50 years, according to Gallup. Composite image. Vintage TV photo by Sukhveer Hans/Unsplash. In this special podcast marking the 100th anniversary of broadcast news, Steve Dunlop explores the long decline in media trust with veteran producer Judith Bishop, author of Changing Channels: From Just The Facts To Outrageous Opinions. Together they trace developments in the history of the medium, with a particular focus on the last half century - and what, if anything, can be done to restore trust. Some highlights on the timeline:6:45 The pre-cable “Super Stations”12:30 Early attacks on the press by Vice President Agnew 15:40 Historical antagonism between presidents and the press 18:30 The role of the urban/rural, blue state/red state divide23:30 The start of the “happy news” era and the chase for ratings 28:00 The birth of CNN and the subsequent proliferation of news outlets 35:00 Elimination of the FCC’s Fairness Doctrine38:00 The political affiliations of journalists 39:30 The rise of Fox, re-enactments, and checkbook journalism 47:10 Donald Trump and the news media 55:50 Combatting “fake news” Scott Pelley sound clip courtesy CNN’s Reliable Sources. Historical audio clips and sounders covered by fair use. All other elements ©2020 Dunlop Media Inc. All rights reserved. The Press Center Commentary RSS