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Writer's pictureChadwick Dolgos

The Declining Power of Fake News

Updated: Jun 23, 2023

In today's society, where information is abundant and readily accessible, it is imperative for individuals to approach news consumption with a critical eye. Mainstream media outlets like Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN have long been regarded as the primary sources of news for many Americans. However, it is time to recognize that these outlets are not immune to biases, and their viewership has witnessed a significant decline in recent years.

The decline of the mainstream media's empire is a fact that cannot be denied. Millions of Americans are turning away from traditional cable news networks such as Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN in favor of alternative sources for their information. This trend can be attributed to a variety of factors including the fragmentation of media platforms, partisan echo chambers, and an overall lack of trust in the objectivity of these networks.


Fox News has often been associated with a conservative bias, as critics argue that it promotes right-leaning narratives and selectively covers news to align with establishment Republican ideologies. The network was once criticized for its race-baiting coverage surrounding the Baltimore protests after the death of Freddie Gray in 2015 when they aired footage of a burning building claiming it was from Baltimore when it actually originated in Venezuela.


While Fox News has since made a shift to a more progressive approach, nobody out-progressives MSNBC. MSNBC's coverage of social justice issues and racial tensions has drawn criticism for amplifying narratives that support the progressive viewpoint while downplaying alternative perspectives. We all remember the "mostly peaceful protests" being reported in cities that were literally burning to the ground, but we must never forget that COVID-19 was not transmissible at Black Lives Matter riots because the cause was for the "greater good."



Self-positioned as a centrist outlet, CNN still can't pretend to give former President and current candidate Donald Trump fair coverage. Unlike MSNBC -- who don't attempt to hide their love for socialism -- CNN hides behind a façade of objectivity to advance the same America-Last agenda but at a slower pace. CNN once boasted high viewership until Trump called a spade "Fake News."


The viewership trends of major cable news networks have undergone significant shifts in recent years, reflecting changing audience preferences and the evolving media landscape. In 2021, Fox News maintained its position as the frontrunner, capturing the largest primetime viewership among the three networks with an impressive 2.1 million viewers. MSNBC, with 920,000 viewers, secured the second spot, while CNN experienced a substantial decline from its second-place position in 2008, with a primetime viewership of 1.3 million.


However, the landscape changed again in 2022. Fox News remained in the lead, but experienced a decline in viewership, with 346,000 viewers, representing a 7% decrease from the previous year. On the other hand, CNN suffered a significant drop in viewership, securing the second position with 174,000 viewers, a 36% decrease from the previous year. MSNBC also faced a decline, landing in the third position with 133,000 viewers, reflecting a 39% decrease.


The decline of viewership for these mainstream monopolies is indeed a win for those seeking truth over sensationalism or partisan spin. This shift from cable news to alternative media has opened up a new era of news consumption free from corporate and political interests.


Many alternative media outlets operate independently and free from corporate influence, enabling journalists to pursue investigative reporting without external pressures. This allows for more in-depth and unbiased coverage of important topics.


Alternative media promotes a more active and robust media landscape by amplifying a wider range of voices and perspectives. It fosters an inclusive and balanced public discourse, ensuring that anti-establishment voices are not overshadowed by the dominant narratives of the corrupt mainstream media.


With reduced reliance on mainstream sources, individuals are encouraged to seek out alternative viewpoints and critically assess biases. This empowers them to form more informed and independent understandings of current events.


It is time for Americans to turn off their televisions and get their news elsewhere. We must recognize the immense power of independent media outlets in providing objective information without compromising on journalistic standards.


This shift toward alternative media offers an opportunity to break free from the narratives of the past and embrace a more nuanced, active, and truthful approach to news. In an era of information overload, the rise of alternative voices heralds a positive step forward in the pursuit of objective journalism.


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