Flat Earth News

Why do we know so much about celebrity scandals but so little about the forces shaping our world? The answer lies in how modern journalism has been hijacked by profit-driven corporations, PR agencies, and even intelligence organizations.

1. Journalism has shifted from investigation to repetition.

Journalism today is far removed from the romanticized image of reporters chasing leads and uncovering hidden truths. Instead, most journalists now rely heavily on pre-packaged stories from wire agencies or press releases. This shift has turned many newsrooms into echo chambers, where original reporting is rare.

A study by the University of Cardiff revealed that 60% of stories in respected British media were simply rehashed from wire agencies or press releases, with only 12% based on original research. This lack of investigative work stems from cost-cutting measures by media corporations, which have reduced newsroom staff and increased workloads. Journalists are now expected to churn out multiple stories daily, leaving little time for fact-checking or fieldwork.

The decline of regional reporting has further exacerbated the problem. Local newspapers, once a vital source of grassroots information, have been gutted by corporate takeovers. With fewer regional reporters, national journalists are left to rely on secondhand information, often sourced online, rather than firsthand accounts.

Examples

• The University of Cardiff study found that only 12% of stories in British media were based on original reporting.
• Journalists now write an average of ten stories per day, leaving less than an hour per story.
• Regional newspapers have been decimated by corporate buyouts, reducing the flow of local news to national outlets.

2. Wire agencies dominate the news but lack reliability.

Wire agencies like Reuters and the Associated Press (AP) are the backbone of global newsrooms, but their reliability is often taken for granted. These agencies are under the same financial pressures as other media outlets, which limits their ability to verify stories thoroughly.

Many media organizations treat wire agencies as infallible sources. For instance, the BBC allows its journalists to bypass the usual requirement of two sources if the information comes from the Press Association. However, wire agencies themselves rely heavily on press releases and local media, which are often biased or incomplete. This creates a cycle where unverified information is recycled across multiple outlets.

The lack of resources at wire agencies also means that their coverage of international events is often superficial. With minimal staff in foreign offices, they depend on press releases from governments and organizations, which are rarely objective. This over-reliance on official sources can lead to skewed reporting that favors those in power.

Examples

• The BBC permits single-source stories if the source is the Press Association.
• Wire agencies often rely on press releases from governments and organizations.
• During early morning shifts, wire-agency journalists rehash stories without time to verify them.

3. Popularity trumps truth in modern media.

Media outlets prioritize stories that attract the most attention, often at the expense of reporting on issues that matter. Sensationalism and emotional appeal have become the driving forces behind news coverage, sidelining stories that require deeper analysis.

For example, a single train crash that kills 100 people might receive extensive coverage, while 100 separate car accidents with the same death toll are ignored. Similarly, celebrity gossip and human-interest stories dominate headlines because they generate clicks and boost ratings. This focus on entertainment over information distorts public understanding of important issues.

The media also panders to public opinion, often shaping its narrative to align with audience preferences. During the Iraq War, some British newspapers shifted their stance to support military intervention, reflecting the mood of their readers rather than presenting balanced reporting.

Examples

• Train crashes receive more coverage than equally deadly car accidents due to their dramatic appeal.
• Celebrity scandals and human-interest stories dominate news websites.
• British newspapers adjusted their Iraq War coverage to align with public opinion.

4. Impartiality is often a shield for avoiding accountability.

Media outlets frequently present "both sides" of a story to appear impartial, but this practice can obscure the truth. By giving equal weight to opposing views, even when one side lacks evidence, journalists avoid taking a stand and protect themselves from backlash.

This approach was evident during early debates about the dangers of smoking. Newspapers balanced warnings from health experts with denials from the tobacco industry, delaying public awareness of the risks. Similarly, media outlets prefer stories backed by official sources, such as police or government statements, to avoid potential lawsuits.

The preference for low-risk, low-cost stories also skews coverage. Events that are easier to report, such as Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., receive more attention than equally significant but harder-to-cover events, like Hurricane Stan in Guatemala.

Examples

• Early smoking debates featured "balanced" coverage that included tobacco industry denials.
• Official sources like police statements are often prioritized to avoid legal risks.
• Hurricane Katrina received 3,105 mentions in UK papers, compared to just 34 for Hurricane Stan.

5. PR agencies shape the news to serve corporate interests.

Public relations (PR) agencies have become adept at manipulating the media by providing ready-made content that journalists can publish with minimal effort. From fake interviews to staged events, PR firms craft narratives that serve their clients' agendas.

For instance, interviews promoting new movies are often conducted by PR advisers rather than journalists, resulting in softball questions and glowing reviews. PR agencies also manufacture evidence, such as surveys or polls, to support their claims. These tactics are especially effective on slow news days, when journalists are desperate for content.

Even "independent" experts cited in news stories are often linked to the industries they discuss. Nutritionist Susan Jebb, for example, warned against low-carb diets while receiving funding from the Flour Advisory Bureau, a PR arm of the flour industry.

Examples

• PR agencies stage fake interviews to promote movies.
• Surveys and polls are often fabricated to support corporate claims.
• Susan Jebb, funded by the Flour Advisory Bureau, criticized low-carb diets as an "independent" expert.

6. Intelligence agencies manipulate the media for propaganda.

Government intelligence agencies have a long history of influencing the media to shape public opinion. During the Cold War, the CIA planted agents in newsrooms worldwide and fabricated stories to serve U.S. interests.

One example is the Angolan civil war, where the CIA spread false reports of Cuban soldiers committing atrocities to discredit Cuba's involvement. This practice continues today, with the CIA using front companies to control media outlets in various countries. Even major publications like Time magazine have been influenced by individuals with ties to the agency.

Overworked journalists, pressured to produce multiple stories daily, often fail to scrutinize these planted narratives, allowing propaganda to spread unchecked.

Examples

• The CIA planted agents in newsrooms during the Cold War.
• False reports of Cuban soldiers' misconduct in Angola were fabricated by the CIA.
• The CIA has used front companies to control media outlets in allied nations.

Takeaways

1. Question the source of your news. Look for signs of original reporting and cross-check stories with multiple outlets to identify recycled content.
2. Be wary of "balanced" reporting. Consider whether both sides of a story are equally credible or if one is being given undue weight.
3. Stay informed about media ownership. Understanding who controls your favorite news outlets can help you spot potential biases.