Did they ever call out the liars?

[digonswine]

In the age of "fair and balanced", we have come to accept that the news tells both sides. I listen to NPR, W(Wisconsin)PR and other news orgs--ridiculous lies from the right are only called out as such by other news "guests", not by the hosts of these shows. They must appear to be separated completely from what the guests are saying. The journalist must be a mindless automaton regulating a spirited debate. And, then, WE must decide on the truth. Was this always the case? I am 37 years old. I don't recall instances of the moderator calling bullshit. If they do, it always in a weak and conciliatory fashion. Was there a time, when "journalists" would look assholes in the eye and debunk their BS? I know this is old hat to many, but-what changed, and when? Or am I thinking journalists' jobs are different from what I think they should be?

[Vincardog]

1. You are thinking of a pre-1960 time. there used to be standards and TV stations had to operate "in

the public interest". St. RayGun blew that up and Big Dog Clinton completed it.

[PETRUS]

2. The "Fairness Doctrine"

It's also been observed that journalism was once a working class profession, and that media consolidation has been extreme. Nowadays many journalists are highly paid (1% level of compensation) and highly ranked employees of international conglomerates with various other interests.