Well, most of us, IMHO, are here to discuss different things that interest us. In short, we’re here to learn and have fun. The mass media is just that: mass. They’re out to get a bigger share of the audience and don’t want to chase the majority of that audience away. It’s pretty much why Budweiser and Coors are so popular although they’re average crap. Average folks buy average stuff, by definition.
Maybe it only looks tainted to you because you’ve been misled for so long? 
I’m all for the internet Sam, and for written journalism vs. tv news and punditry. When the majority of people in US–and of course Canada <bows>–are getting their information from reputable internet sources, I’ll cease to complain even if Bozo the Clown delivers the TV news. But for now that’s very far from the case.
We internet junkies are a fairly self-selecting bunch thus far. This may be far less true of the generation now still in their teens. But have you noticed many of them surfing The New York Times?
BTW, I’d have to dispute the characterization of New Republic which, I believe, is under new management (or soon will be) and is drifting ever further from the center.
I’d add TomPaine.com to your left of center list though.
Exactly. I would guess that the internet is not the primary source for most Americans, hence my concern about TV and Radio . I do refer to a number of sources myself and that is why I find the lack of balanced, comprehensive and/or intelligent analysis in TV/Radio strange, serious and even disturbing. At the risk of incurring the wrath of repetition Any dopers from other countries who think their mainstream media does a much better job?
And let’s not forget one of the very few fair, accurate and unbiased sources of news available, www.mediawhoresonline.com .
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