The Dominance of Tech Giants in Controlling News in America
The news landscape in America is undergoing a significant transformation, with major media companies traditionally dominating the field. However, in recent years, the role of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Yahoo in controlling news has become increasingly prominent. This shift raises important questions about who ultimately controls the flow of information to the American public.
The Traditional Players
When discussing media giants in America, one immediately thinks of companies such as Viacom, Fox, Comcast, Time Warner, Disney, the New York Times (NYT), company Gannett, and Scripps. These companies have long been at the forefront of broadcasting, print, and online news. They own some of the largest television networks, news websites, and newspapers in the country. Their reach and influence are vast, allowing them to shape public opinion and disseminate news on a wide scale.
The Emergence of Social and Search Networks
Yet, the true power in controlling news today lies not just in the hands of these traditional players but also with social and search networks. Companies like Facebook, Google, and Yahoo have achieved this by controlling access and visibility of news. These platforms are where most people get their news these days, and their algorithms determine what content is seen and when it is seen. This means that they have a significant influence on what news reaches the public and how it is perceived.
When we talk about Facebook, Google, and Yahoo, it's important to recognize that they are more than just platforms for browsing and searching. They are gatekeepers of information, deciding what news stories get shared, amplified, or suppressed. This gatekeeper role is not without challenges, as the public is increasingly demanding that these platforms do a better job of combating fake news. However, to effectively address this issue, they must make difficult judgments about what constitutes valid news, blurring the line between editorial function and passive platform.
The State of Sinclair Broadcast Group
The rise of Sinclair Broadcast Group highlights another dimension of news control. Sinclair has emerged as a significant player in controlling local news in America, specifically through its extensive ownership of TV stations. In fact, it is aiming to increase its ownership further. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, 'Backlash grows over Sinclair Broadcast Groups must-run conservative content on local TV stations,' Sinclair's strategy involves requiring on-air talent to broadcast pre-determined content with conservative viewpoints, masquerading as news.
This approach by Sinclair has raised concerns among media watchdogs and the public alike. Unlike other media conglomerates that own multiple stations, Sinclair has a uniform, cable-like, approach to news. This targeted broadcasting strategy ensures a consistent conservative message across its network of stations, potentially diminishing the diversity of viewpoints in local news scenes.
The critical mass that Sinclair controls means that its influence is even more pronounced. If allowed to continue unabated, it could lead to a homogenization of local news, limiting the breadth and diversity of information available to the American public. This raises questions about the independence and integrity of local journalism and the role of media in fostering a well-informed civic society.
Conclusion
The landscape of news control in America is multifaceted and complex. While traditional media companies continue to wield significant influence, social and search networks have taken on a gatekeeper role with increasing potency. Additionally, the emergence of Sinclair Broadcast Group underscores the potential for single entities to exert control over local news, further complicating the issue.
As the public becomes more aware of these dynamics, it will be crucial for all involved to ensure that news remains a force for truth, diversity, and democratic engagement. It is the responsibility of both the media and the platforms to uphold these values and to protect the integrity of our news ecosystem.