Why Don’t Journalists Ask More Questions Anymore?

Have you ever wondered why it seems like journalists or news anchors today aren’t asking the important questions? With big elections happening worldwide, like in India and the USA, where the media has a massive impact on people’s opinions, they must be asking the tough stuff, right?

You know, sometimes when I watch the news, it feels like they’re not really asking the questions we want answers to. Maybe journalism schools have changed? Maybe deadlines are tighter than ever? Who knows. But what I do know is that good journalism is about more than just reporting.

It’s about asking the questions that make us think critically, and that give us a well-rounded picture of what’s going on. It’s about holding those in power accountable. This is what we were taught in school, remember?

I had a chat with my uncle, who’s been a journalist for over 20 years (he’s retired now), and he shared some insights that got me thinking.

He said, “Back in my day, we told the whole story – who, what, why, when, where, and how! These days, I don’t even know if they’re asking questions anymore! It’s like they’re missing the point of their job.”

My uncle has a point. Sometimes, it feels like news stories are press releases all dressed up. We get the basic facts, but there’s no follow-up, no challenging perspectives. It’s like watching a tennis match where one player just lobs the ball over the net, and the other lets it plop without a fight.

In countries like India and the USA, where big elections can change everything, the news plays a huge role. But lately, it feels like the media cares more about getting high ratings and making money than telling us what’s really going on. And I don’t think I’m the only one noticing this, you must’ve too.

I’ve noticed this trend for a while now, and it’s made me lose trust in a lot of news channels. I’ve even stopped tuning in to news channels for about three years now. I just don’t feel like I can trust them anymore, especially with all the political drama going on. Instead of just taking their word for it, I find myself checking multiple sources to make sure I’m getting the full picture.

I know not all of them are like that, some are genuine too. It’s just they’re losing the trust they had once.

But the question is –

Why’s all this happening?

Well, one reason could be that big companies own most of the media outlets these days. They care more about profits than real journalism, so they might avoid talking about controversial stuff or only show one side of the story. As a result, there’s pressure to prioritize stories that attract viewership or readership, often at the expense of substantive journalism.

And then there’s social media, which has made everything even more confusing. Fake news spreads like wildfire online, making it hard to know who or what to believe. Social media algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy. In such an environment, distinguishing fact from fiction becomes increasingly challenging.

There might also be cultural shifts and changing patterns of news consumption, particularly among younger generations. They’re more interested towards senseless, more visual and entertainment-oriented formats.

News is constantly evolving, and there’s a demand for instantaneous updates. This pressure to churn out content quickly can lead to superficial reporting and a focus on sensationalism rather than depth and analysis. Clickbait headlines and provocative soundbites are favored over nuanced exploration of complex issues.

The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black

Is There a Political Influence on Mainstream Media?

And let’s not forget the dangers of political influence on mainstream media. As the world becomes more polarized, media outlets might also be increasingly aligning themselves with either left or right-wing ideologies.

In some cases, media organizations may be directly owned or controlled by political figures or corporations with vested interests.

But perhaps the most alarming consequence of media manipulation is the threat to democracy itself. History is filled with examples of nations descending into dictatorship when the media fails to serve as a check on government power.

However, we all must agree that there are still plenty of journalists out there who are holding powerful people accountable. We can also be more critical viewers. If an interview feels soft, we can always do our own research to get a more complete picture.

So, here’s to the journalists out there who are still out there asking the tough ones! And to the rest, let’s remember the golden rule of a good story: who, what, why, when, where, and HOW? Because honestly, how can we expect to understand the world around us if we don’t get the whole story?

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