James Fallows: Bit by Bit It Takes Shape: Media Evolution for the 'Post-Truth' Age

[pampango]

Over the years, and recently in a few posts this month, I've mentioned signs that the mainstream press is adjusting to the realities of "post-truth politics."

Three new positive signs:

1) The Los Angeles Times' presentation of a story about the same false welfare claim. The headline of this story is an important step away from misleading "objectivity" and toward giving readers a clearer sense of reality. More from Greg Sargent and from Kevin Drum on this point. (Update: also National Journal's Ron Fournier, who is no one's idea of a pinko.)



2) The New York Times this morning, on another false claim. I don't see the online version of this story, but the headline below conveys the point:



3) NPR's Morning Edition yesterday, once again on the bogus welfare claim. Steve Inskeep edges into the discussion with Rich Beeson of the Romney campaign, pointing out that "some commentators" had criticized the welfare ads as misleading. His follow-up, highlighted below, is the important part:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/08/bit-by-bit-it-takes-shape-media-evolution-for-the-post-truth-age/261741/