Jon Stewart's passionate appearance on CNN's "Crossfire" lastFriday was a departure from his "Daily Show" persona. He attackedhosts Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala for not asking hard-hittingquestions to politicians and for being "part of [politicians' andcorporations'] strategies."
While some may think Stewart's position as college-campus idolhas made him too big for his britches, he brings up valid pointsthat the media must address. The media, particularly cable newschannels, too often feed into the political parties' soundbites andagendas.
Journalists have an important role in society. They are to beskeptical, not accept things on face-value and to probe for thetruth. The press undertakes a public service in reporting facts tothe public from an objective standpoint. Television media, wherethe majority of people get their information, regularly does notfulfill its obligation to the public.
Stewart is using his place as a public figure to draw attentionto this issue, which is commendable. Those he is directing hiscriticism at should pay attention, because he is speaking for alarge number of people who have grown weary of a media that doesnot support intelligent debate.
It must be noted that not all journalists fall under Stewart'sdisapproval. It is mostly directed at the elite rank of journalistswho have strong, marketable personalities. The Bill O'Reillys,Tucker Carlsons and Chris Matthews of the broadcasting world.Stewart accuses them of conducting "theater" not debate, but theproblem is more serious than that.
These media Brahmins have a level of exposure that allows themto dictate the country's discourse. They have the power to changethe tone of the media if they change the styles of their shows.But, they must overcome their egos first.
This is not to let all other journalists off the hook. While itis likely unintentional, a number of journalists become apatheticin a media world dominated by a few conglomerates controlling whatis covered and what's not. When reporters begin to feel that theirwork does not make an impact, they stop trying to dig for thetruth, which makes their reporting less effective. It's a viciouscycle that all levels of journalism are guilty of.
The upper crust of journalism must lead the way and begin to askthe questions that get to the meat of the story. They can't tiptoearound the issue, but not yell in people's faces either. They mustbe respectable enough to demand that the hard questions to beanswered in a straightforward approach. It's akin to balancing on atight rope, but it must be done.
Only in this manner will journalism be able to correctly servethe American public. Until then, the screaming pundits of programslike "Crossfire" will continue to feed into the cycle ofmanipulating America. Jon Stewart refuses to be their "monkey." Therest of the country shouldn't have to be their monkey either.
