Quote:
Originally Posted by blueash
So in a discussion of the shape of the earth the media should give equal time to those who believe it is round [ish] and those it is flat? This is the kind of situation Holt is discussing. When one side has no credible evidence and the other side has an overwhelming amount of evidence, the credible evidence should be all that is presented perhaps with a brief mention that not everyone accepts that conclusion.
You need to understand what Holt meant by "fairness" It is not fair to crazies refuse airtime to the flat-earthers. But it is not fair to the viewer to present flat earthism as an equally supported position by giving it equal time.
It is not fair to be compelled to tell how some believe that Hugo Chavez controlled our last election or that someone ran a child sex ring in the basement of a pizza parlor or that there is a world wide Jewish scheme to control everything [ see Henry Ford]. Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime. |
Well said Blueash
Fox News attorney stated in court that Fox News cannot be held liable for things they say on air as being factual because their listeners must know that they make up stories to reinforce the views of their audience. The items they air are beliefs and opinions not actual facts. This was in defense of a Billion dollar suit against Fox for slander. Great denebse! everyone should know we don't tell the truth.