Lester Holt - "fairness is overrated". This is downright SCARY>

[DeanFL]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

[Stu from NYC]

So when it is the journalists idea of the truth it is ok to give a one sided report of the news.

Scary.

[Number 10 GI]

Exactly what the old Soviet Union newspaper, Pravda, did in it's reporting. Did this so-called journalist work there early in his career?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Not surprising. That is how these people think. "Your opinions are just that, opinions. My opinions are simply the way things are."

They also believe that pretty much everyone in the world agrees with them and are genuinely surprised that people hold different opinions.

The job of these people should simply be to report on what's going on not to express their opinions. Of course, even if they do only report what's going on, they choose to decide what is it that is important enough for them to report on and what is not. That is why we often don't see or hear stories in the media about things that we believe are important.

I believe in the first amendment and the importance of a free press, but things have gotten to the point where the press is not just free, they are a controlling force in this country.

I wish I had a solution to this problem but I don't. There's always a fine line between controlling something and violating the constitution.

Same with the second amendment. We all want to keep guns out of the hands of people that use them to do bad things, but how do we do that without violating the rights of good law abiding citizens.

These are not easy questions. I think that 24 cable news and social media both hurt and help the situation. It's up to the people to get on social media and speak out against abuses of power by the media.

[jimbomaybe]

there are news outlets and commentators that tell you upfront where they are coming from, what has been called the "mainstream media " has for years pretended to be unbiased and have massaged public opinion due to the tendency of people not to listen carefully or use critical thinking .Journalism is dead, decades ago someone questioned new journalism grads and found 80% wanted to "change " the would distinctly different from telling people what was happening , and the internet is much worse, find and watch "The Creepy Line " video , it gives some insight as to how your searches are steered

[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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

[Bucco]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

Thanks for an accurate well written understanding of his remarks.

Problem for many on this forum, without lies, they believe in zero. Nothing. Again, these are National Enquirer readers almost to a tee.

Reading this thread and the inane stupid comments ref The Daily Sun, I am convinced that these people don't like the media because it is over their head.

Or, they just do not care to even try.

I am convinced we have slipped into 3rd world status the last few years, and in reading the foreign press, and hearing from a few friends in Europe and Asia, we (Americans) are considered dullards who live to hate (skin color, heritage, political party...matters not). We are considered a nation of know nothing's who follow the loudest and most bizarre folks. Remember the folks who were attracted by this stupid headlines on the Enquirer...we have become a nation of them.

The fact that Lester Holt made comments that were so grossly misunderstood and then posted about is a testimony to our lows.

Rejecting truth for gross accusations and conspiracy theories and allowing that to be your entire basis, and then to post on here about it is simply scary.

[roscoguy]

.
.
Lester Holt - "fairness is overrated". This is downright SCARY

Nah, what's kinda scary is that you seem to have taken little parts of Mr. Holt's acceptance speech out of context & directly counter to his explanation of what he meant.

"I think it's become clearer that fairness is overrated," he said."Before you run with or tweet that headline, let me explain a bit. The idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in. That the sun sets in the west is a fact. Any contrary view does not deserve our time or attention." (This quote is also directly from the Yahoo! article you linked to in your OP.)

Other parts of the article you quoted, but didn't highlight, is that he specifically mentioned not giving "unsupported arguments equal time" and that "Our duty is to be fair to the truth." Both seem to be pretty important pieces of his speech. Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion. If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion.

[DeanFL]

Nah, what's kinda scary is that you seem to have taken little parts of Mr. Holt's acceptance speech out of context & directly counter to his explanation of what he meant.

"I think it's become clearer that fairness is overrated," he said."Before you run with or tweet that headline, let me explain a bit. The idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in. That the sun sets in the west is a fact. Any contrary view does not deserve our time or attention." (This quote is also directly from the Yahoo! article you linked to in your OP.)

Other parts of the article you quoted, but didn't highlight, is that he specifically mentioned not giving "unsupported arguments equal time" and that "Our duty is to be fair to the truth." Both seem to be pretty important pieces of his speech. Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion. If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion.

.
.
"LITTLE PARTS"???? "out of context"... Did you Not see the quotes???

You>

"not giving unsupported arguments equal time"
BASED UPON WHAT AND WHO?

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth."
WHO'S TRUTH???

" Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

"If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

Do YOU NOT see a dichotomy here? ...if you don't know what that means, here it is:

something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another

I ALWAYS look on the other side of an argument. Would YOU feel the same way about this if it was said by a Fox News anchor or such? please...
.
.

[Mleeja]

Nah, what's kinda scary is that you seem to have taken little parts of Mr. Holt's acceptance speech out of context & directly counter to his explanation of what he meant.

"I think it's become clearer that fairness is overrated," he said."Before you run with or tweet that headline, let me explain a bit. The idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in. That the sun sets in the west is a fact. Any contrary view does not deserve our time or attention." (This quote is also directly from the Yahoo! article you linked to in your OP.)

Other parts of the article you quoted, but didn't highlight, is that he specifically mentioned not giving "unsupported arguments equal time" and that "Our duty is to be fair to the truth." Both seem to be pretty important pieces of his speech. Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion. If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion.

What you are saying is exactly what NBC and other news outlets do. They edit certain parts of a comment, snip content, or misquote. Are they lying? Probably not. They are just presenting the information to fit their narrative. I guess it is up to the viewer/reader to decide for themselves. In most cases, if you agree with their narrative, they are telling the truth. If you do not agree, they are misrepresenting the truth.

[Bucco]

.
.
"LITTLE PARTS"???? "out of context"... Did you Not see the quotes???

You>

"not giving unsupported arguments equal time"
BASED UPON WHAT AND WHO?

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth."
WHO'S TRUTH???

" Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

"If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

Do YOU NOT see a dichotomy here? ...if you don't know what that means, here it is:

something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another

I ALWAYS look on the other side of an argument. Would YOU feel the same way about this if it was said by a Fox News anchor or such? please...
.
.

In the past few years, we have been burdened with outlandish statements to defend bizarre behavior. Most of those statements were either a new conspiracy theory or defamation of a person...Much of those came from our top people in government.

While, most (Greatest part) of them were flat out lies, because the United States Government was involved, it became a joke trying to follow the lunacy.

So many on here cried out for the days of the evening news and the sanity......in those days when America was great, and conspiracy theories were reserved for the grocery store checkout line, we had civil conversations, with never a nod to the whacky headlines we saw checking out.

Holt simply said it well, in saying these things deserve no attention. You can say (in a nod to MLB opening day) that you were cheated while video shows there was no cheating. We have wasted a lot of time chasing these things (which probably was their intent) but they serve no purpose in a civil society.

[Bucco]

What you are saying is exactly what NBC and other news outlets do. They edit certain parts of a comment, snip content, or misquote. Are they lying? Probably not. They are just presenting the information to fit their narrative. I guess it is up to the viewer/reader to decide for themselves. In most cases, if you agree with their narrative, they are telling the truth. If you do not agree, they are misrepresenting the truth.

The comment was not aimed at any media, but the selected quotes by a poster..in this case the OP

I keep asking for examples (I am sure some must exist) of the accusations made against news coverage (I bolded news because it is obvious many cannot differentiate between news and comment Was not that hard in the past

[Mleeja]

The comment was not aimed at any media, but the selected quotes by a poster..in this case the OP

I keep asking for examples (I am sure some must exist) of the accusations made against news coverage (I bolded news because it is obvious many cannot differentiate between news and comment Was not that hard in the past

That is my point. You are taking the OP to task when the news media does the exact same thing.

[Bucco]

That is my point. You are taking the OP to task when the news media does the exact same thing.

Need one example please

[tvbound]

So in a discussion of the shape of the earth the media should give equal time to those who believe it is round 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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

[i]"Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime."

THAT is exactly what he meant. Obviously, those who would rather believe lies (especially big ones) and conspiracy theories - don't agree.

[John41]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

Only 9% of Americans have a lot of trust in the media and 60% have no trust at all.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So here's some stuff that shouldn't be fairly "evenly" reported from "both sides."

1. This is the country known as the United States of America.

If you want to claim it's not true, that this is not the country known as the United States of America, you don't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

2. Cotton fabric is made from plant substance.

If you want to pretend it's actually the dried, processed snot of aliens who came to the planet and blew their noses in fields 40,000 years ago, your information is not credible and doesn't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

3. McDonalds sells Big Macs.

If you live in a reality where McDonalds sells Wendy's Hot-n-Juicy-Burgers, more power to ya. Your warped view of reality doesn't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

4. Masks can reduce the risk of COVID-19.

If some stranger on Frontline or Stormfront or 8Chan or Parler or whale.to or anywhere else is telling you that masks cause sickness and can't help anyone with the hoax virus, then your delirious brain cells cannot be trusted, and you don't deserve a "fair" representation. you're wrong, period.

[Northwoods]

Need one example please

I'll give you one... During the Mueller investigation, Adam Schiff claimed that there was ample evidence that Trump colluded with Russia.
Schiff: 'Ample evidence' of collusion between Trump campaign, Russians (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/14/adam-schiff-there-ample-evidence-collusion-between-trump-campaign-russians/336786002/)

That was one person's claim. Yet the media didn't label it as "unsubstantiated" (as they have done repeatedly to Trump's claims that there was voting fraud). They reported it "as is."

The Mueller investigation reported that there was NO collusion. Yet MSM reported it as "news" for months.

Adam Schiff lied about the Trump probe — and the media let him (https://nypost.com/2020/05/08/adam-schiff-lied-about-the-trump-probe-and-the-media-let-him/)

Some see that the bias of the MSM is obvious. Others are oblivious to the not-so-subtle wording in MSM stories.

[jebartle]

Those annoying facts seem to get in the way. Fact check everything, period! You can have your own opinion but not your own facts.

[jswirs]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

The mainstream media slants everything to fit their own agenda, has been doing so for years, and is much worse now. We all need to be CRITICAL THINKERS, and use our own common sense to to determine what is really happening in the world, and especially here in America. In other words, THINK FOR YOURSELF PEOPLE, because if we don't, we become changed from people to sheeple.

[ddawson922]

You and Lester Holt are spot on!!!!!!!!!

[Adagio43]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)
So you are saying responsible journalists should perpetuate a lie?

[blueash]

I'll give you one... During the Mueller investigation, Adam Schiff claimed that there was ample evidence that Trump colluded with Russia.
Schiff: 'Ample evidence' of collusion between Trump campaign, Russians (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/14/adam-schiff-there-ample-evidence-collusion-between-trump-campaign-russians/336786002/)

That was one person's claim. Yet the media didn't label it as "unsubstantiated" (as they have done repeatedly to Trump's claims that there was voting fraud). They reported it "as is."

The Mueller investigation reported that there was NO collusion. Yet MSM reported it as "news" for months.

Adam Schiff lied about the Trump probe — and the media let him (https://nypost.com/2020/05/08/adam-schiff-lied-about-the-trump-probe-and-the-media-let-him/)

Some see that the bias of the MSM is obvious. Others are oblivious to the not-so-subtle wording in MSM stories.

I don't want to rehash the first impeachment, but your recitation of what was said and what was found is generously incomplete. The first link you provide to a US Today story is very very clear in what it says, well beyond the headline. In it Schiff says that there were several interactions between members of the Trump team and Russian operatives. He carefully states, fully reported in the story, of these interactions
"All of this is evidence of collusion," said Schiff, a former federal prosecutor. "Now, I've never said that there was proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That's for Bob Mueller to decide." ...
While it is up to Mueller to conduct the criminal investigation and file any charges he feels are warranted, it is up to the House panel "to tell the country as much as we can about what we have been able to learn," Schiff said.

Even if Mueller determines that he can't file criminal charges of conspiracy, the committee should inform people of any "unpatriotic" or "immoral" actions, even if they weren't illegal, Schiff said.

"It's not fine to work with a foreign power even if there is no violation of law involved," he said.

This MSM story is extremely clear and very accurate. There is no crime of collusion. No one has ever been criminally charged with collusion because such a crime does not exist. Collusion is a term to describe an interaction between parties that does not rise to a conspiracy. It describes an interaction, teamwork, mutual support toward a goal that many would see as nefarious but not illegal. Of course Mueller did find crimes committed by members of the Trump team, and Russians working toward a common goal:
Mueller's team has charged eight Americans (https://www.businessinsider.com/who-has-been-charged-in-russia-investigation-mueller-trump-2017-12) once affiliated with Trump's campaign or administration, 13 Russian nationals, 12 Russian intelligence officers, three Russian companies, and two other people with federal crimes.

Of course the Mueller report did not make of finding of collusion, because it was looking for evidence of crimes and collusion is not a crime. It did find, and substantiate many interactions and episodes of coordination and cooperation (https://www.justsecurity.org/63838/guide-to-the-mueller-reports-findings-on-collusion/).

Directly from the Mueller report page 181
this Office’s focus in resolving the question of joint criminal liability was
on conspiracy as defined in federal law, not the commonly discussed term “collusion.” The Office considered in particular whether contacts between Trump Campaign officials and Russia-linked individuals could trigger liability for the crime of conspiracy—either under statutes that have their own conspiracy language (e.g., 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349, 1951(a)), or under the general conspiracy statute (18 U.S.C. § 371). The investigation did not establish that the contacts described in Volume I, Section IV, supra, amounted to an agreement to commit any substantive violation of federal
criminal law—including foreign-influence and campaign-finance laws, both of which are discussed further below. The Office therefore did not charge any individual associated with the Trump Campaign with conspiracy to commit a federal offense arising from Russia contacts, either under a specific statute or under Section 371’s offenses clause.

Your statement: "The Mueller investigation reported that there was NO collusion" is patently wrong. The report clearly says collusion is not a term on which it makes a determination as collusion is not a legally prohibited act and is not legally defined.

You can say the report did not say "collusion happened" because it cannot define and charge such activities as did occur as "collusion"

Congressman Schiff as cited in the article and the Mueller report when finally issued [and the full unredacted report is still not available] are 100% in agreement. Stuff happened as described in the contacts described in Volume I, Section IV which was not conspiracy per the legal requirements. Now explain to me again how what US Today reported was a lie?

[roscoguy]

.
.
"LITTLE PARTS"???? "out of context"... Did you Not see the quotes???
Take it easy, you’re shouting. Yes, you took parts of what Lester Holt said & highlighted smaller parts of that WITHOUT the context of his own explanation, which started with “Before you run with or tweet that headline, let me explain a bit.”
You>

"not giving unsupported arguments equal time"
BASED UPON WHAT AND WHO?
"Our duty is to be fair to the truth."
WHO'S TRUTH???
There’s really no such thing as ‘whose truth’. If an argument is unsupported, by definition there are no corroborating FACTS, which relegate it to opinion status.
E.G.: Wildfires in California have been caused by power transmission lines, lightning & arson. (Provable fact)
vs.
Wildfires in California have been caused by space lasers. (Something else entirely)
" Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???
My meaning here is that whether or not something is misinformation shouldn't be a matter of opinion. You’re equating truth & opinion, which are not the same – although they can be. There is no such thing as my truth vs. your truth, only different opinions, values, beliefs, viewpoints, etc.
"If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???
Huh?? :confused:
Do YOU NOT see a dichotomy here? ...if you don't know what that means, here it is:

something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another

I ALWAYS look on the other side of an argument. Would YOU feel the same way about this if it was said by a Fox News anchor or such? please...
.
.
I really do see the dichotomy between opinion and fact and have tried to explain that here.

FOX has nothing to do with this, as far as I am concerned. Why would you even ask that? And, really, this whole overblown issue is ancient history. The FCC abandoned their own so-called 'Fairness Doctrine' in the late 80's, which, among other things, required broadcasters to air dissenting views along with their own presentation of certain types of stories. Read all about it here: FCC fairness doctrine - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCC_fairness_doctrine)

[Zenmama18]

Thank you for your thoughtful and well-reasoned comments.

[Langwelld]

He will only report things he agrees with. What a crock! He is supposed to give an unbiased reporting of the news. What an unprofessional charlatan. He obviously thinks that citizens in the USA need to be molded into people who think just like he does. He should be fired!

[golfing eagles]

So here's some stuff that shouldn't be fairly "evenly" reported from "both sides."

1. This is the country known as the United States of America.

If you want to claim it's not true, that this is not the country known as the United States of America, you don't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

2. Cotton fabric is made from plant substance.

If you want to pretend it's actually the dried, processed snot of aliens who came to the planet and blew their noses in fields 40,000 years ago, your information is not credible and doesn't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

3. McDonalds sells Big Macs.

If you live in a reality where McDonalds sells Wendy's Hot-n-Juicy-Burgers, more power to ya. Your warped view of reality doesn't deserve a "fair" representation. You're wrong, period.

4. Masks can reduce the risk of COVID-19.

If some stranger on Frontline or Stormfront or 8Chan or Parler or whale.to or anywhere else is telling you that masks cause sickness and can't help anyone with the hoax virus, then your delirious brain cells cannot be trusted, and you don't deserve a "fair" representation. you're wrong, period.

Nice extreme examples.

Who gets to decide when it is not so obvious?

[Tomptomp]

I think the operative word in your argument is “unsupported “. If Lester Holt keeps to standards of proof before he reports on an issue they why shouldn’t anyone else ?

[Eg_cruz]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)
And there lays the problem.......since when did reporting the the news become “ an opinion report” and not a News report?
Why can’t you just report what happen without adding or sliding in their views. The left media has forgot how to report news they now just report opinions.
This is why you can watch opinion (news) stations anymore.
No one fairly reports anymore

[irishwonone]

There is little to no accurate reporting today. It’s clearly just social media now. Both on television or online. Our college’s are so infected they offer very little free speech. Now they are targeting our children’s schools. History is out fiction is in.

[Windguy]

I’m sorry, but I have to agree with Lester. When one side is complete nonsense, the purveyors of such nonsense do not have the right to equal time to express their opinions. When I’m watching SpaceX launch a rocket into orbit, I don’t want half of the coverage to be wasted by some idiotic flat-Earther who’s saying that it’s all a lie and a conspiracy.

[Hiltongrizz11]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

And who determines the "lies"? Who determines what "facts* are common?

Facts are arbitrary and political these days. Shame on you. If yob ask Hillary why she lost the election her answers will be different than Trump's. Who gets to decide the truth....Lester Holt the Demonrat?

Wakeup and see that supporting this new method of "reporting" is not supporting reporting at all.
It's called indoctrination, it's called Big Brother, it's called Communism.

[Andyb]

No surprise, the entire main stream media is in cahoots with our socialist government. Censorship, manipulation and control is the agenda. They only tell you what they want you to know. Wake up folks.

[bonrich]

For those of us who do not have a response to the subject, it has been a great read! Keep it up, this is the way a forum should be.
Good Morning to all.

[MickeyStevens]

No surprise, the entire main stream media is in cahoots with our socialist government. Censorship, manipulation and control is the agenda. They only tell you what they want you to know. Wake up folks.

You’re on to something “Wake up folks.” :bigbow:

[72lions]

Go back and read the highlighted section about providing an open forum to anyone. I couldn’t agree with him more.

[BlueHeronFan]

So when there is a problem with the old Ford Pinto having the gas tank explode on a rare occasion of a rear end collision, the network reports it with a fake explosion to manipulate the news as just one example. Then, there is the report on flooding in a news report from a women in the flood waters in a canoe only to have 2 guys walk by in the report in ankle deep water. The News reporting at times now is nothing but sensational BS.

[68DODGE]

Somehow I think Mr unbiased Holt is talking about the last election. And hes full of it!

[Lindaws]

This is just the start . Agree or you are racist!

[jbrown132]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

I fully understand what he was saying. But when you have a news network like NBC, covering someone and that coverage is 95% percent negative, or when there is a real story out there that is not reported on that is not journalism it is an agenda, and any sense of fairness goes out the window

[Samfl]

Wow you missed the point oh Holts comments completely. He’s not talking about fairness at all. He’s talking about journalists deciding what is news and what is fair. Censorship is the first step is losing our freedoms. Don’t be naive. The mainstream media is very biased towards toward conservatives. They would like nothing more than to have a one party system. Is that really what you want.

[LucyP]

Thanks for an accurate well written understanding of his remarks.

Problem for many on this forum, without lies, they believe in zero. Nothing. Again, these are National Enquirer readers almost to a tee.

Reading this thread and the inane stupid comments ref The Daily Sun, I am convinced that these people don't like the media because it is over their head.

Or, they just do not care to even try.

I am convinced we have slipped into 3rd world status the last few years, and in reading the foreign press, and hearing from a few friends in Europe and Asia, we (Americans) are considered dullards who live to hate (skin color, heritage, political party...matters not). We are considered a nation of know nothing's who follow the loudest and most bizarre folks. Remember the folks who were attracted by this stupid headlines on the Enquirer...we have become a nation of them.

The fact that Lester Holt made comments that were so grossly misunderstood and then posted about is a testimony to our lows.

Rejecting truth for gross accusations and conspiracy theories and allowing that to be your entire basis, and then to post on here about it is simply scary.

The media is scary with untrue journalism. They lost the true meaning of journalists . It’s sad and to many people with close doors to hear more then one side information to get reality check .

[fpmoravcik]

A nice way of saying , "I don't believe in the first amendment". He gave us a taste of this at his presidential debate.

[dtennent]

Editors came shortly after Gutenberg invented the printing press. Their role has always been to sort through what is important and what is not. The advent of the World Wide Web has been to eliminate editors so that any fool can print whatever drivel they wish. The work to substantiate a news flash takes time and hard work. The problem with a 30 minute news program is that you are only seeing the 3 minute story and not the work that goes behind it. Are mistakes made? Absolutely. However, the fact that a given news source publishes a story that angers you doesn't make it a lie. Publishing stories with which you agree but are not substantiated is not responsible journalism. I have a great deal of respect for news programs/papers that not only report stories but will publish corrections when they have made a mistake. I agree with Lester Holt's comments.

[Spalumbos62]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>



NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

Sorry, but to me, the only thing, person that comes to mind is the big guy that just left and fed us all falsehoods and now we're at this horrendous point. Too bad Lester wasn't president.

[Love2Swim]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

Exactly! Since when do nut jobs get equal opportunity to voice their crackpot notions on national news media? This has nothing to do with opinions, but all to do with facts, which are easily verifiable.

[tvbound]

those annoying facts seem to get in the way. Fact check everything, period! You can have your own opinion but not your own facts.

Bingo!

[gdennis317]

You can give “alternate facts” but does not make them true.

Problem is those spouting outright lies and opinions with no bases in the truth at all.

[Cobullymom]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.
Readers digest condensed interpretation, if they don’t feed you full of whatever you want to hear, then you don’t want to hear...

[Cobullymom]

Exactly! Since when do nut jobs get equal opportunity to voice their crackpot notions on national news media? This has nothing to do with opinions, but all to do with facts, which are easily verifiable.
You mean like Rachel Maddog, and Lester preaching on about Russian collusion for years, the president being a white supremacist? And they never apologized...now I understand...

[DeanFL]

.
.

Originally Posted by jebartle
those annoying facts seem to get in the way. Fact check everything, period! You can have your own opinion but not your own facts.
.
.
YES!!!

BUT... how do you REALLY check it out?

Google - filters.
Other Network News - nope
News sites - can be very biased.
Newpapers - ditto
Snopes - ditto
Facebook - cancels posts they don't like.
Twitter - ditto above, also cancels specific users totally
ToTV - opinions
Neighbors - ditto
Friends & Relatives - ditto

Bottom line.... there is NO REAL trusted source.
.
.

[Cobullymom]

Thanks for an accurate well written understanding of his remarks.

Problem for many on this forum, without lies, they believe in zero. Nothing. Again, these are National Enquirer readers almost to a tee.

Reading this thread and the inane stupid comments ref The Daily Sun, I am convinced that these people don't like the media because it is over their head.

Or, they just do not care to even try.

I am convinced we have slipped into 3rd world status the last few years, and in reading the foreign press, and hearing from a few friends in Europe and Asia, we (Americans) are considered dullards who live to hate (skin color, heritage, political party...matters not). We are considered a nation of know nothing's who follow the loudest and most bizarre folks. Remember the folks who were attracted by this stupid headlines on the Enquirer...we have become a nation of them.

The fact that Lester Holt made comments that were so grossly misunderstood and then posted about is a testimony to our lows.

Rejecting truth for gross accusations and conspiracy theories and allowing that to be your entire basis, and then to post on here about it is simply scary.
Readers digest condensed interpretation, if they don’t feed you full of whatever you want to hear, then you don’t want to hear...

[merrymini]

Do not watch the regular news and see or listen to any news with skepticism. They are prefiltering and it is so obvious, the slants so strong. How can you believe any of them?

[hrenner]

.
.
"LITTLE PARTS"???? "out of context"... Did you Not see the quotes???

You>

"not giving unsupported arguments equal time"
BASED UPON WHAT AND WHO?

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth."
WHO'S TRUTH???

" Finally, misinformation should not be a matter of opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

"If there are no demonstrable facts presented, or at least scientific consensus, then it is opinion."
WHO'S OPINION???

Do YOU NOT see a dichotomy here? ...if you don't know what that means, here it is:

something with qualities or features that seem to conflict with one another

I ALWAYS look on the other side of an argument. Would YOU feel the same way about this if it was said by a Fox News anchor or such? please...
.
.
So you are saying it's ok to present unsupported theories equally with evidence supported theories. Wow.

[Cobullymom]

Sorry, but to me, the only thing, person that comes to mind is the big guy that just left and fed us all falsehoods and now we're at this horrendous point. Too bad Lester wasn't president.
You absolutely correct we are NOW at a horrendous point...and Lester fed you your daily supper and you gobbled it up....

[Cobullymom]

.
.

Originally Posted by jebartle
those annoying facts seem to get in the way. Fact check everything, period! You can have your own opinion but not your own facts.
.
.
YES!!!

BUT... how do you REALLY check it out?

Google - filters.
Other Network News - nope
News sites - can be very biased.
Newpapers - ditto
Snopes - ditto
Facebook - cancels posts they don't like.
Twitter - ditto above, also cancels specific users totally
ToTV - opinions
Neighbors - ditto
Friends & Relatives - ditto

Bottom line.... there is NO REAL trusted source.
.
.
You got it....������

[DaveZ]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). Some beliefs do not deserve to be treated "fairly". That is what Holt meant. Lies do not deserve fair airtime.

Interesting that the government, academics, and what ever else that once served as media once regarded the Earth as flat and refused any other opinion. Galileo went to jail for proposing otherwise.

[Cobullymom]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[G.R.I.T.S.]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

I'm wondering who is the arbiter of this "truth?" Dangerous ground upon which "journalists" are now treading...

[Notsocrates]

So when it is the journalists idea of the truth it is ok to give a one sided report of the news.

Scary.
" It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."

THIS is the real problem? A reporter's job is to report the facts which is hard enough. No one appointed him guardian of the "truth" according to his own lights. The arrogance of this did not go unnoticed.

[Bucco]

I'm wondering who is the arbiter of this "truth?" Dangerous ground upon which "journalists" are now treading...

Well, I am not the smartest guy in the world, by far, but i know the truth, and am able to recognize liars. Especially, with that villainous internet, you can fact check anything you want.

To believe everyone is lying is to put The Supreme Being in the middle of one of those conspiracy theories. It isn't happening at all.

Today, some are either lazy, gullible, or easily conned.

[HORNET]

I will not watch any new broadcast with him. He is a liar and a left over fake news reporter

[collie1228]

And his attitude surprises you? Just listen to his predecessor, Brian Williams on MSNBC. He's carrying the ball for the liberal left wing constantly there. I try to listen/watch both sides of the political spectrum, but find myself amazed at William's on-screen left wing opinions camouflaged as facts. So I can't watch him. Sounds like Lester is traveling down the same highway.

[HORNET]

Can’t believe anything he says

[DeanFL]

Well, I am not the smartest guy in the world, by far, but i know the truth, and am able to recognize liars. Especially, with that villainous internet, you can fact check anything you want.

To believe everyone is lying is to put The Supreme Being in the middle of one of those conspiracy theories. It isn't happening at all.

Today, some are either lazy, gullible, or easily conned.
.
.
"you can fact check anything you want."

please tell us HOW and what methods you use. Really I for one would like to know. Simply interested how YOU would accomplish that.
.
.

[MrFlorida]

Hmmm. One sided news, must carry papers , do you see where this is going ?

[Spalumbos62]

You absolutely correct we are NOW at a horrendous point...and Lester fed you your daily supper and you gobbled it up....

Absolutely not.....Lester only reported the lies that
Djt fed to us....come on...."this virus should be gone in weeks" "you don't need a mask" "maybe drink clorox" "the votes were stolen" " I never incited a roit"
And now look where we are....500,000 dead...thank you Donald. Voters rights being taken away....no water or food given???? Again...thank you donald.....but thank God he is gone!

[ragtag22]

So when it is the journalists idea of the truth it is ok to give a one sided report of the news.

Scary.
So he’s basically saying people are to dumb to be able to determine what’s true.

[lkagele]

Need one example please

Where have you been? Examples are rampant. Nick Sandman is one example. The media (print and TV) DELIBERATELY made it look like he was provoking and mocking a Native American. He was wearing a MAGA hat and as a result, the media was trying to make him look like a bad dude. Once you viewed the entire video, it was obvious Sandman and his fellow high school students were the ones being taunted and mocked. Sandman has filed numerous suits against various news agencies. Settlements have been reached in many of those suits. This kid won't have to work the rest of his life.

And here's a recent one. Members of Michael Flynn's family have sued CNN. CNN DELIBERATELY edited a video to make it appear the family was pledging allegiance to QAnon. If you watched the entire video, it was apparent the family was pledging allegiance to the US and its Constitution.

The mainstream media are not purveyors of truth or fairness. They are agenda driven activists trying to indoctrinate instead of educate.

[MandoMan]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

I think it’s important to understand him in context. I know people who don’t think men walked on the moon. Is it important that their wacko opinions be “fairly discussed” every time journalists deal with space travel? I know people who believe the World Trade Towers were destroyed by Jews. That’s lunacy? I don’t want the news channels to give these people room to share their views every day. Their views have been judged and found erroneous and unsupported by the evidence. I have friends who believe God created the heavens and the earth and the sun and the stars and everything else about six thousand years ago. (I was taught that as a child and believed it for years.) They can believe that if they like, but the evidence does not agree. Their ideas do not need to be “fairly considered” each time something over six thousand years ago is found. I have friends who are opposed to vaccinations of all types. I disagree, and I do not want their dangerous views presented in the news every time vaccinations are discussed. People believe so many odd things on the basis of hearsay or advertising. Turmeric, anyone? There are news outlets that offer us twisted alternate versions of reality every day, such as saying we live in a “tyranny,” or that our presidents are Socialists or Fascists. Do they deal fairly with the truth? No.

[toeser]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

I used to get 90% of my broadcast news from the three major networks. Now it's down to 10%. Their bias is palpable.

[BlackhawksFan]

. "Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda.


He's 100% correct. He's talking conspiracy theories like QAnon, Sandy Hook and 9/11 deniers, all the Trump misinformation, etc.

UNSUPPORTED ARGUMENTS.

He's not talking about legit disagreement.

[DaveZ]

I honestly can’t get my head around anyone actually believing Lester or any other source even Google anymore. We all lived through 2020 didn’t we? It was the one thought that I believe Lester was honest to himself and us about. It’s true. Sucks but true.

[canman]

This is the transcript of what he said. He did not say it like the cherry picked quotes. Research before jumping to what media tells you.

"I’m asked a lot now how the news media recovers from the damage. Let me first say the damage only goes so deep, as millions and millions of Americans still turn to news organizations like mine for trusted information. The unprecedented attacks on the press in this period I’m sure we’ll fill plenty of books and be studied in classrooms, maybe even here. But I have a few early observations I’ll share about where this moment brings us and what we can learn.

Number one is I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated. Whoa, before you run off and tweak that headline, let me explain a bit.

The idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in. That the sun sets in the west is a fact. Any contrary view does not deserve our time or attention. I know recent events assure that you won’t have to look far to find more current and relevant examples, I think you get my point."

[Bucco]

.
.
"you can fact check anything you want."

please tell us HOW and what methods you use. Really I for one would like to know. Simply interested how YOU would accomplish that.
.
.

Dont have a set system, but...

First I read quite a bit to begin....the NY Times, Wall St Journal, along with a few other print media. Normally, the top stories are the same and I read them. If I find a difference in presentation of facts, I will go on line and investigate further until I find out why. Usually, it is easy, and mostly my fault for mis understanding (I usually blame the writer for poor writing). If it is an important story, I might "google" it which will bring up most mentions and then I sort of select a new presentation based on my pat experience.....I pretty much know the far right or far left sites and simply ignore them. At that point, in most cases, I feel comfortable I have most of the facts.

Actually I might, depending on my schedule, come on here to see what people are posting and if they supply any links worth reading.

I think reading the Times, Reuters feed, Journal, etc. usually pretty much nails it.

Of course if I think I want more detail, depending on the story type, I will then use the internet to track down more information. If it is a story on the economy there are reputable sites to visit.

Point is, the facts stand out.....the lies stand out.

What people do is ignore what they do not want to hear....that is why I often use the term "childish" or "immature" as that is what children do...I dont want to hear this and close their ears. Well, adults close their minds, in the case we are discussing, visit a website where they know the verbiage will make them happy....of course, most of them ignore any fact not supporting their particular leaning. What amazes me is that never consider that what they feel is wrong and they are being manipulated.

I dont like to use myself, but since you asked... I am a true conservative.....morals and truth mean a lot to me. I want a balanced budget OR actually, close to a balanced budget as possible. I have never voted Democrat (except in 1960) but with the last few years have left what was my party of choice, and one for whom I was actually employed, because of what I spelled out was important to me as a true conservative....morals and truth.

I know nothing is perfect........I also know from experience, I am not always right......I also have learned to "listen" ie. read links on here for example.....visit website that I know I will not agree with, etc.

I am now a true independent now which, for me, is extremely sad, but getting over it quickly as I watch events unfold.

if you balance what you read, you will easily identify LIES......easily identify FACTS. Unless the Almighty is involved in the conspiracy, they all come tumbling down, they all have doubters at the start.

To the actual thread, I MIGHT ADD......over the last few years we have been treated, as never ever before, outright and outlandish lies from our top government. That megaphone is loud....that bully pulpit is listened to thus our media were chasing all over to find truth in something, somehow. Holt is merely saying, we waste our time chasing the wild stories that we absolutely know are not true because of the source. Do you really think Qanon would get this much media attention if certain elected officials did not side with their theories ?

[Bucco]

I honestly can’t get my head around anyone actually believing Lester or any other source even Google anymore. We all lived through 2020 didn’t we? It was the one thought that I believe Lester was honest to himself and us about. It’s true. Sucks but true.

Not sure what you lived through in 2020, but if you refer to the election, it is pretty much what I expected.

GOP did pretty well except at the top of the ticket, and lost their majority because of the "top if the ticket"

Maybe if you explain what YOU lived through, it may help.

There was truth everywhere and the untruths were proven over and over again to be exactly that....untruths

[lkagele]

Absolutely not.....Lester only reported the lies that
Djt fed to us....come on...."this virus should be gone in weeks" "you don't need a mask" "maybe drink clorox" "the votes were stolen" " I never incited a roit"
And now look where we are....500,000 dead...thank you Donald. Voters rights being taken away....no water or food given???? Again...thank you donald.....but thank God he is gone!

No offense intended but you're doing exactly what other posters are accusing Holt of doing. '500K dead...thank you Donald.' TO BE FAIR, the other side of that argument should be heard. It's a f@@king virus that's highly transmissible. It spread regardless of what anyone tried to do.

'Voters rights being taken away...no water or food given????' I'm assuming you're referring to the new Georgia law. TO BE FAIR, the other side of that argument should be heard. Here's how the law reads:

No person shall solicit votes in any manner or by any means or method, nor shall any person distribute or display any campaign material, nor shall any person give, offer to give, or participate in the giving of any money or gifts, including, but not limited to, food and drink, to an elector [a voter], nor shall any person solicit signatures for any petition, nor shall any person, other than election officials discharging their duties, establish or set up any tables or booths on any day in which ballots are being cast:

(1) Within 150 feet of the outer edge of any building within which a polling place is established;

(2) Within any polling place; or

(3) Within 25 feet of any voter standing in line to vote at any polling place.

........

Every State where I've voted has a similar law. Political partisans are not allowed to attempt to sway voters standing in lines waiting to vote. Claiming the Georgia law is anything different is mis-information and just another attempt at indoctrination. But, if you're politically driven and don't want people to know the real truth, you stop being fair and report on an inaccurate version of the law.

[Lindsyburnsy]

So we should listen to someone who says insurrectionists at the capitol were hugging and kissing the police?

So when it is the journalists idea of the truth it is ok to give a one sided report of the news.

Scary.

[Ptmckiou]

“Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

Lester is stating in the beginning of his speech, how it has become today. A “state of affairs” review. Since this was not the entire speech, and taken out of context, it’s more difficult to see. However, he reveals his opinion of today’s news by the above quoted “...can become quite dangerous “. Obviously m he doesn’t agree with the one sided lies and misinformation.

Too often these days, shows that run on “news networks” are not news, but entertainment shows based solely on the shows lead commentators OPINIONS, which are not always FACTS. Big difference between OPINIONS, vs FACTS. FACTS are indisputable, and based on proven evidence by a solid source, such as legal or court happenings. It use to be that video of something was fact , but no more. Technology has gotten so good in faking videos by putting people in videos (even dead people) that you can’t rely on videos anymore as fact.

We need the news to go back to FACT base, and not OPINIONS of that network which misleads the viewers,

[soonerforever]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)



Just remember you'll never be able to convince an idiot of anything---holds especially true on this board.

[santiagobob]

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 (https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-trump-legal-team-false-claims-5abd64917ef8be9e9e2078180973e8b3) 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] (https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/henry-ford-and-jews-story-dearborn-didnt-want-told). 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.

[DaveZ]

Not sure what you lived through in 2020, but if you refer to the election, it is pretty much what I expected.

GOP did pretty well except at the top of the ticket, and lost their majority because of the "top if the ticket"

Maybe if you explain what YOU lived through, it may help.

There was truth everywhere and the untruths were proven over and over again to be exactly that....untruths

I really need to do that? The election was just one example but a good one. Let’s add Covid lest we forget that. There are more. My point is that almost no information in media exists without spin and there is no source of objective truth. We spend ridiculous amounts of time arguing about sources (a facet of the Google and social media business model) that simply replicate other sources adding spin, nuance, fabrication, idealism, morality, logic, or whatever word suits. Not new but bigger and better in 2020 are bold lies without even being sandwiched between truths. Machine generated news that motivates clicks without the expense of reporting real life. “Predictions” are in the same bucket. Always something horrible, they almost never come true but are taken as truth and we argue about them too as we click away to prove them. Covid generated wonderful revenue for nearly every platform (including Lester’s) from predictions alone.

My point is simple (or I thought it was); who can believe any of it after the rich experience we lived through in 2020?

[sloanst]

You can't say what is true until you fully investigate both sides of an issue and present the merits of both. Otherwise you are just lying to the people. IMHO any journalist that does this is no longer worthy of the Constitution's 1st Amendment free press protections.

[allsport]

What he said was that information needs to be truthful, not what you think should be true. There are many news sources who deal in lies and that almost caused the government to be overthrown. You should watch Q Into the Storm on HBO. It is a documentary that shows just how gullible people are and that is no surprise. Look at the traveling salvation shows in our history.

[doecats]

the media is so biased that the ""TRUTH"" is not important anymore ,it is the ratings achieved by the sensationalism of the report that is the only IMPORTANT thing and their own personal views interspersed with the report.

[conman5652@aol.com]

Y’all need to step back for a second. What he means is u don’t chase stories that are ridiculous and stick to the truth. Not all statements are tire. For example the “election was stolen”. No proof has been presented in any courtroom but my party still perpetuate the lie.
That what he talking about.

[meboyle]

.
.
From a major Network News "Journalist" on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. This is the man responsible to edit and deliver NEWS. But listen to this direct from his mouth>

NBC's Lester Holt says we don’t need to hear both sides to define truth: ‘Fairness is overrated’

NBC News anchor Lester Holt received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington State University Tuesday evening, an honor given to those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

In his acceptance speech, the longtime journalist offered his advice to others in the field, emphasizing the value of truth-telling.

"I think it’s become clear that fairness is overrated ... the idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," Holt said on Tuesday night while accepting an award at the 45th Murrow Symposium.

"Decisions to not give unsupported arguments equal time are not a dereliction of journalistic responsibility or some kind of agenda. In fact, it's just the opposite. Providing an open platform for misinformation, for anyone to come say whatever they want, especially when issues of public health and safety are at stake, can be quite dangerous."

"Our duty is to be fair to the truth. Holding those in power accountable is at the core of our function and responsibility," he said. "We need to hear our leader's views, their policies and reasoning. It's really important, but we have to stand ready to push back and call-out falsehoods."
.
.
"Providing an open platform for misinformation" "Misinformation" - In WHOSE Opinion????
.
NBC's Lester Holt Emphasizes 'Regard for Truth' as He Accepts Edward R. Murrow Award (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbcs-lester-holt-emphasizes-regard-163924337.html)

If we speak out as well as post to places like this, sooner or later these anti American clowns will get the message. This is America..we hold our freedoms near to our heart. We can disagree, but not accept these ideas, and let them all know we won’t support the destruction of our country and all it’s greatness.
Just tell your truth..be true to yourself..a winning way to live.

Mr Murrow is turning in his grave..😢

[LateBoomer]

These aren't journalists at all. These are people who got into the field to push political agendas. Yes, it's very scary when idiots like this set themselves up as the arbiters of truth. And they are supported by Big Tech, most the media, and core supporters of the Dem Party. it's scary. I no longer wish to have lib friends, to be honest.