New tools needed to battle media lies and disinformation.
It has gotten to the point where we must rethink “freedom of the Press”.
What is free speech and what is not.
Obviously the FCC (regulating) broadcast and the FTC (regulating) cable hasn’t worked.
Here’s some ideas on needed changes.
All media regulation: broadcast, cable, digital, radio, wireless, internet, etc. should be regulated by one agency.
This agency should have the full powers to set the parameters of what can be put into the public with no attribution. What should be labeled opinions, editorials, etc.
The agency should have fining and banning authority over individuals and media outlets.
There should be a high bar for fines to be levied.
There should be an even higher bar for bannings.
Obviously, individuals and media entities will continue to be able to challenge such things in the courts. However, what will be NEW is that certain criteria would be put forth that these individuals must meet to avoid punishment.
Here’s some examples that are ok:
“I think so and so is a socialist and that’s bad”
“Liberal policies and giveaways are going to ruin America”
These would not be okay without attribution or some sort of proof:
“Congressman X and other Democrats are raping and eating babies in a pizza parlor”.
“Senator X stole an election. I don’t know how she stole it but I THINK she did”.
It’s the specifics that matter. You should not be able to lie about a specific person or situation without any proof.
That is not appropriate freedom of speech or freedom of the press.
Now, for those that say that current libel and slander laws are enough.
Really?
How’s that been working out since Rush Limbaugh ushered in the era of paid lies, propaganda and misinformation. There has been no punishment. Just more and more of it from more and more media outlets.
Ok...tell me I’m crazy.
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