Michael Parenti’s article initially focuses on objectivity in journalism and then shifts to government manipulation in the latter half. Parenti questions the merit of striving for “objectivity” in journalism as he believes it neutralizes reporters’ critical thinking and questioning. He goes further by referencing David Halberstam who questions the objectivity of editorial decisions when choosing which stories to pursue and publicize. Through this subjective process, certain story angles or entire stories may be disregarded in favor of others. Additionally, Parenti relies on Britt Hume who suggests that journalists should strive for honesty as opposed to strict objectivity.
Following the discussion of objectivity, Parenti changes the subject to government manipulation. He describes the relationship between media and government, or more specifically, journalists and politicians. This relationship is strengthened, and partially perpetuated, by the two-way door of employment that has emerged. Media professionals can seek positions within the government and politicians can work with or for media companies. Additionally this relationship rewards journalists, who remain loyal to the government administration, with “news nuggets”. Being disloyal can result in criticism, restricted access to government press conferences or representatives, and less legal leniency.
Taken together, Parenti seems to argue that reporters, journalists, and editors cannot be objective and often choose not to be objective. This lack of objectivity is coerced through corporate and political interests. In his conclusion, Parenti mentions that the news manufacturing process has government and economic influences which – in order to advance these interests – maintain ideological monopoly and control flow of information. Because of these influences, more appropriately, incentives, the media will rarely criticize the government or multinational corporations.
The issues raised by Parenti in his article challenge the notion of a “free press” in the United States. A press that cannot question the motives or actions of a government is, by definition, not free. In other words, as a consequence of capitalism and a primarily libertarian media system, critical thinking is stripped from the responsibilities (or capabilities) of journalists and reporters. Without critical thinking, it is difficult for reporters and viewers to challenge assumptions, pursue cultural relativism, and establish alternative ways of thinking.