Is it illegal for News Channels to fabricate news?

Question

ever since news has become "infotainment" and sensationalized we are struck with shock and awe at violence. this violence doesn't even make most Americans blink or feel disgust but it does get them to watch. advertisers pay bigger $ if you are watching. pay attention to who advertises on your favorite 24 hour news channel. perhaps the same companies or investors that profit from such violence. its funny that "conspiracy" invokes doubt only in those who are being conspired against. blah blah blah.....what do you think? is it all really just all about $$$$$$?

Answer 1

To the extent that what's presented as "news" is blatantly false and runs afoul of slander or libel laws, yeah that part is not legal.

However, anything that's gossip or opinion or editorial...  journalists can say almost anything.  And do.

Blaming the media for sensationalizing the news is a bit like blaming drug dealers for the problems of addiction: if there weren't consumers for the product, there wouldn't be a marketplace.  Flip side, as we all know, is that if a product isn't available then it doesn't matter who wants it.  A chicken-and-egg conundrum.

Answer 2

no!  its all good!  watch NETWORK on dvd and you will see how it all started.  yes it is all about the money.  it always has been.

Answer 3

when is it not about the "big bucks"

Answer 4

No. They do it everyday.

Answer 5

Not really (though slander is illegal), most news outlets are now profit based, so they'll do whatever is within their own business morals to make an easy buck, and if that means telling half or non existent truths, then so be it. I've noticed a good handful in a sh0rt period of time that was obvious to me in the Calgary Sun and Herald.

It's all about the $$$