The remedy to one person’s disagreeable information is more information. The modern information environment is an explosive expansion of its previous incarnation. Global society is still reeling from this expansion. The profiteers have been mobilized from the beginning. The ethical contemplation by citizens is just now getting started. A policy is needed that encourages this contemplation and reinvigorates the values of understanding information. Simply put, the duty to “check one’s sources” largely exists among professional groups, but not across society. The ever present information domain calls for a greater understanding and habit.
The policy should encourage the formation of school coursework as well as exposés that illuminate how information can be shaped to manipulate people. Of course, these courses should introduce concepts at a very early age, and increase those experiences through out childhood and in to university. To be sure, this isn’t a proposal to pass yet another subject matter off to schools to teach our children. But during those years children can be introduced to the discipline of research.
One good start in the area of exposés, commission a series of studies on the deep propaganda campaigns that have been directed against the American people. To get the studies rolling, direct PBS and NPR to study these activities, including their very own contributions. Under the funding of the US government, create a competitive market to energize the constellation of station-managed Public Radios. That could be a great way to start them on the road to redemption…or cut their funding. But this focus of study may also gain hooting in the broader media market or even the university communications sector.
Perhaps part if this counter-propaganda effort could be a program to recruit journalists from the working class, like muckraker days. People who believe in our country and believe in the role of the fourth estate. And fire the upper-class-head-in-the-sand progressives who think they have a clue what’s best for everyone else. You know, fire the Marxists out of government.
To enhance transparency and accountability in mainstream media by requiring a veracity statement regarding the nature and source of their content whether broadcast or printed. This policy aims to rebuild public trust in media organizations and ensure consumers are informed about the origin and reliability of the information they receive.
Policy Statement
All mainstream media outlets are required to include a clear and concise statement regarding the veracity of their content. Failure to include a category or miscategorization is grounds for loss of broadcast license and clearance to government media releases in the White House. This statement must categorize the content according to the following classifications:
Government Released Report
News Journalism
Investigative Journalism
Feature Journalism
Unsubstantiated Journalism
Opinion/Analysis
Documentary
Fiction
Propaganda
Others (Specify)
Background
Historically, journalism has been rooted in rigorous investigative practices and the corroboration of facts. However, there has been a notable decline in these standards, leading to the dissemination of unverified claims, rumors, and politically motivated narratives. This shift compromises the integrity of the news and erodes public trust.
Context
Recent legislative changes, such as the repeal of propaganda bans, have facilitated the spread of government-produced information without adequate safeguards against misinformation. This has heightened concerns about the reliability of both government and media sources.
Implementation
Mandatory Disclosure: All media organizations must include a veracity statement at the beginning of their content, indicating the classification of the material.
Socratic Test Compliance: All reporting must pass three Socratic tests:
Is it true?
Is it good?
Is it useful?
Enforcement:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shall implement regulations requiring broadcast companies to explicitly indicate when their content is not fact-based.
Failure to comply with these standards will result in:
Immediate and permanent loss of broadcast and business licenses.
Seizure of company assets and bank accounts to compensate for damages related to slander and libel.
Review and Expansion of Current Laws: The existing 18 U.S. Code § 1038 (False Information and Hoaxes) will be reviewed and expanded to explicitly address false and unsubstantiated news.
Conclusion
This policy seeks to ensure the American public has access to accurate, reliable, and transparent information from mainstream media. By holding media organizations accountable and restoring the integrity of journalism, we can foster a more informed citizenry and protect the democratic process from misinformation.
Hashtags for Advocacy: #StopTheLies#StopSlander#StopLibel#StopThePropaganda#ReportTheTruth#EndFakeNews