Most political candidates today will decry certain forms of media. For Republicans, sites such as CNN and MSNBC are widely considered to be liberal media, whereas the opposite moniker applies to Fox News and Breitbart. This hatred has trickled down from politicians to almost all citizens, further entrenching party lines as citizens are fueled by the media to hate the other party. But where does the root of media polarization lie? And where did it start?
The Fairness Doctrine
Some readers might be familiar with a time when news wasn’t as biased, all owing to the fairness doctrine. The beginnings of the fairness doctrine start even earlier than many might assume. During the term of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, almost a hundred years ago, the Mayflower Doctrine was created as a way to prevent a “commercialized, conservative-based and corporate dominated medium,” as, even during the era of the radio, it was believed that wealthy individuals and corporations would have inherent control over the media. Like the Fairness Doctrine that would come to replace it in 1949, the purpose of this law was to require all news networks to devote significant and equal proportions of time to both sides of any controversial issue. As forms of media advanced, this law was eventually transitioned into the Fairness Doctrine, maintaining the same goal.
The Fairness Doctrine was abolished due to an outcry from conservative media, arguing that it was against the First Amendment and violated free speech rules. This eventually led to the law being torn down by the Supreme Court in 1987. The immediate benefactor, as expected, was conservative station Fox News. Under the helm of speakers such as Rush Limbaugh, conservative media began hammering a harsher, less bipartisan view of the state of America. Roger Ailes had changed news permanently after he left the Nixon administration. “Truth is what people believe,” Ailes said, “or what they could be convinced to believe”. This new partisanship significantly improved the financial status of the station, drawing eyeballs and outrage, but it may have driven a permanent crack into America’s political credibility.
Widening Gaps
Today, nearly forty years after the initial abolition of the Fairness Doctrine, polarization in American media is at an all-time high. As Fox News discovered almost sixty years ago, sensationalist media is far more profitable than the boring, steady journalism practiced in the Fairness doctrine era.
Media Distrust Amongst Vanderbilt Students
Vanderbilt students echo the sentiments ingrained in broader national trends, expressing frustration with the polarized nature of modern media. William Zheng ‘27, an avid news watcher, shares his concerns, stating, “I feel like all modern news is overly party-based and radical.” Similarly, Dominic Moringiello ‘28, a nonpartisan voter, highlights the challenge of finding unbiased reporting, saying, “I think it is a major problem, and I wish that I could really rely on news sources for nonpartisan news.” These perspectives reflect the growing distrust in media among younger generations, who yearn for a return to balanced and objective journalism.
A Return to Nuance?
The erosion of trust in media and the rampant polarization has fostered an essential question: can American media ever return to the balanced reporting of the Fairness Doctrine era? Many argue that the modern media landscape, dominated by digital platforms and algorithm-driven engagement, incentivizes sensationalism over truth. In this environment, echo chambers flourish, and nuanced, bipartisan reporting often struggles to gain traction.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Emerging media outlets and initiatives are striving to bridge the divide by prioritizing transparency and balanced reporting. Platforms such as AllSides and Ground News aim to present diverse perspectives on the same issue, allowing readers to make informed decisions. While these efforts are still in their infancy, they highlight a growing demand for credible, nonpartisan journalism.
The Role of Media Literacy
A potential long-term solution to media polarization lies not just in reforming media practices but also in equipping citizens with the tools to navigate the digital information age. Media literacy programs in schools and communities can empower individuals to critically evaluate sources, recognize bias, and seek out credible information. By fostering a more discerning audience, these initiatives could help mitigate the influence of polarized media narratives.
As Vanderbilt students and others across the nation grapple with distrust in the media, the path forward requires a collective effort. Policymakers, journalists, educators, and citizens all have a role to play in rebuilding trust and fostering a more informed electorate. The challenges are steep, but the stakes—restoring faith in the fourth estate and repairing the cracks in America’s political discourse—are too important to ignore.
