Disney’s recent decision to lay off around 200 employees at ABC News marks a significant moment in an ongoing trend within the media industry, where journalism job losses have been rampant. Over the past year, nearly 15,000 positions in the media sector have vanished as a result of an industry increasingly dominated by large corporations.
This culmination of events underscores the institutional problem the US has with concentration of media ownership, with a small number of conglomerates controlling the vast majority of information accessed by the public.
The transformation of the media landscape in the US
The transformation of the media landscape has been prominent for decades, evolving further with statements from influential figures like Jeff Bezos, who recently outlined a new direction for the Washington Post’s opinion section, pivoting its focus towards “personal liberties and free markets.”
This shift implies a blatant editorial bias in favour of corporate interests, raising questions about the independence of critical journalism – particularly regarding monopolies such as Amazon itself.
As mainstream media outlets grapple with declining viewership and revenue, many have become reliant on financial benefactors, which has resulted in these outlets operating in alignment with the interests of their wealthy owners. All this is even more concerning amid the current political climate, especially with megalomaniac Donald Trump back in the White House.
Of course, none of this is the US is new.
Media bias: a rich history
The legacy of editorial bias can be traced back to the beginnings of the media age, when powerful newspaper magnates such as William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer engaged in fierce competition, leading to sensationalism in what was termed “yellow journalism.”
Historically, American media have been explicitly partisan, with newspapers openly supporting specific political parties or ideologies. During this period, the role of journalists was not merely to report but to persuade, reflecting their publications’ political leanings.
Regulatory measures, such as the FCC’s fairness doctrine, once sought to ensure balanced coverage. However, following deregulatory actions by presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, the media landscape shifted dramatically, creating what some describe as an unprecedented capitulation by corporate owners to political pressures.
Currently, six major corporations dominate over 90% of American media, which raises concerns about how independent voices can break through.
The environment suggests that major outlets may be increasingly incentivised to favour the powerful to avoid backlash from the government, as exemplified by ongoing legal challenges facing journalists and pollsters critical of political figures. Moreover, concentration of ownership can lead to biased reporting that favours corporate or political interests, further undermining the role of a free press in democracy.
The rise of independent journalism
In response to concerns about media bias and corporate influence, non-profit newsrooms and independent media outlets are being championed as viable alternatives.
The US is home to at least 475 independent journals and organisations, such as the Marshall Project and the Center for Public Integrity, which have garnered recognition for their investigative reporting. Outlets like the Intercept, Grayzone, the Young Turks, and Democracy Now have managed to create successful models – but they are not free from accusations of bias or selling out to corporate interests either.
Platforms like Substack and Noosphere are also emerging, allowing writers to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, providing a more direct line to audiences.
However, these alternatives may struggle to replicate the extensive resources that large media organisations can deploy, particularly for long-term investigations that could face legal repercussions, such as those surrounding the Pentagon Papers.
Notably, Bezos himself aspired to uphold the journalistic standards set by former Washington Post owner Katharine Graham, highlighting a shift in the editorial independence experienced during his early tenure.
The future of journalism
As the media grapples with its future in an era of competing interests, the conversation continues regarding the need for a resurgence of independent journalism capable of resisting corporate and political encroachments.
The challenge remains for both journalists and readers to navigate these complex dynamics as they seek to safeguard the integrity of the press. Understanding the nuances of media bias, along with historical precedents, is essential for preserving a vibrant and impartial media landscape that can withstand the pressures of ownership and influence.
Featured image via the Canary
