It’s axiomatic in the conservative lexicon that the "media" is biased and that this bias is decidedly "liberal." In fact, "liberal" is a redundant adjective coupled with "media."

Of course, there are exceptions.

The latest example of media bias is the selective TV coverage of the GOP National Convention. Several networks omitted the speech by Texas Senator Kay Baily Hutchison, whose segment included film clips of President Clinton contradicting himself on various issues.

This Clinton v. Clinton comparison was long overdue. His flagrant self-contradictions haven’t escaped notice for many, but the unrelenting polls seem to indicate that memories are failing. Character does matter to most Americans.

The GOP ringmasters finally arranged to air it on national television and (gasp!) several networks opted to avert their camera’s gaze. This blatant content manipulation begs for rebuke.

Nevertheless, I support their right to edit their coverage as they please. Their air time is their property to be sold to the highest bidder. The content decisions of TV producers are primarily based on financial rewards. TV often condenses special event coverage to accommodate their audience’s limited attention span, and to a lesser extent, the producer’s political preferences. In this case, they cut away to relatively boring stuff to avoid Clinton’s video flip-flops.

Freedom is the core issue. The First Amendment protects the freedom of the press and the electronic media (radio, TV and the Internet) are merely variations of technology applied to deliver information consistent with the Framer’s concept of the "press." It’s up to the people to be informed and to select the best sources of information.

The alternatives to a free media, even a liberally biased free media, are not attractive. Asking government to intercede invites the fulfillment of Orwell’s Big Brother concept. Government cannot assure anyone’s concept of "fairness" without assuming some degree of control. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."

TV and radio are subject to FCC regulation and are forced to "operate in the public interest." This government regulation conflicts with the Framer’s intent and should be limited to only the technological aspects of sharing the airwaves without regard to broadcast content.

Fortunately, recent legislative efforts to further regulate the content of talk radio and the Internet either failed to pass or were struck down by the courts.

Modern media enterprises compete to earn profits. Any other public services they perform are a by-product. We demand information; the media supplies it. Whether the information’s slant is subtle or obvious, it’s up to the buyers to choose.

The notion of media "correspondents" as a noble corps of truth-seekers is a naive one. Notwithstanding those media members who do seek the truth and attempt to convey it, their economic survival depends on a market of buyers. They never forget that, nor should we.

Free markets will improve the imperfections of radio and TV "news" so long as we maintain a citizenry educated and vigilant enough to see its deficiencies. The adamant pretense of objectivity reduces the old media’s credibility and creates demand for radio and TV shows that disclaim neutrality and deliver more truth.

This column proves conservative opinion is not fully squelched in the print media [printed in The Macon Telegraph]. Due to the larger variety, print media typically do a better job of presenting opposing views and opinions.

Print media often fail the objectivity test for "objective news," but always offer more depth and more information than other media.

Television exploits abbreviated attention spans. Condensed "news" formats and a lack of sustained, focused thought create a medium far too conducive to omission and deceptive manipulation.

The foremost danger our republic faces is the proliferation of intellectually lazy, apathetic and ignorant people who make voting decisions without seeking enough information and evaluating its accuracy. Their civic dereliction allows shallow propaganda disguised as news to easily shape their opinions.

 Copyright Ó1996 Steve Scroggins - All rights reserved.