The News Media often referred to as the "Fourth Estate" or the 'Fourth Branch" of Government seem to have taken a turn for the worst in 2012. Media which shapes public opinion and has an influence on politics is suppose to be the Peoples' access to information that is true and accurate. In 2012 it seems that media has fallen prey to the feelings and opinions of the so called pundits and journalist. There are media outlets such as Fox News that seems to be an arm of the Republican party which spews out misinformation and lies against Presidents Obama and every Democrat that opposes the Republican agenda. This is not only limited to FOX but now it seems that other outlets that champions fair and balanced coverage such as CNN has taken on the ways of Fox news with not challenging the lies and misinformation as well as the continue spreading these lies. There has even been and infiltration of these practices by journalist and pundits on MSNBC which has sent its viewers into an outrage. How is this happening? What caused it?
Money has been called out as the culprit. Paid media? Yes, advertising is a billion dollar industry and has now become a part of the News outlets as well. This has allowed the lies and misinformation to be spread in the name of money. These are paid headlines and talking points. This has tainted the "Fourth Estate" which facilitated the process of the PEOPLE obtaining facts to make an informed decision on candidates, issues, and policies that affect their lives and the future course of America. The Power is with the People as we can see that there has been a push back of such misinformation and lies by fact checkers and social media outlets such as Twitter. you can sometimes get factual information faster on Twitter. You can also get facts checked from multiple sources which has become the Peoples filter of Lies and misinformation. So is Twitter and social media now the "Fifth Estate?" A necessary tool to create a balance that is beneficial for the People is needed and it seems appreciated. This new phenomenon has been a great push back to lies as well as a tool for the uninformed public. We the people must continue to press the Press for Truth and Facts. There is really Power in the People.
