01/29/2026
Today’s national media landscape has become increasingly sensational, provocative, and often slanted. Many Republicans argue that this environment fuels what they call “fake news,” driven more by the pursuit of ratings than by a commitment to truth. It’s hard to deny that modern outlets face intense pressure to sell papers, attract viewers, and boost clicks—sometimes at the expense of fair, balanced reporting.
But this problem isn’t new. In the 18th century, American newspapers and pamphlets were frequently steered by powerful political interests. By the late 19th century, Yellow Journalism had taken hold, using exaggerated and inflammatory stories that helped push the United States into war with Spain over Cuba. Sensationalism has deep roots in our media history.
At its core, the media is a business, and like any business, it must remain profitable to survive. Yet the more reporting becomes biased or sensational, the more public trust erodes. Many newsrooms are struggling under this pressure. Some outlets are even shifting from commercial enterprises to nonprofit models in hopes of preserving journalistic integrity. But nonprofits face their own challenges: reliance on grants can leave them vulnerable to the influence of governments and foundations—the very institutions they are supposed to scrutinize.
It’s time to return to a model of journalism that prioritizes truth over theatrics. We should expect media organizations to expose corruption, investigate wrongdoing, and report facts—not amplify gossip or innuendo. A healthier democracy depends on a press that informs the public, not one that inflames it.
