Let us suppose for the moment that the most important function of a free and unfettered press is the dissemination of truth. To establish what is true, there must be agreement of fact. For instance, a journalist in attendance at a White House press conference will record what the press secretary says, without omission or embellishment. Fact. Truth.

Regardless of political ideology, the press are the defacto eyes and ears of the citizenry. Their sole purpose is to report to us what we cannot be there to witness. The role of the press in democracy cannot be understated. The Fourth Estate indeed.

There is much opining as to the state of our democracy and the impending doom of it. But erosion of our democracy can be pinpointed to a singular, pivotal event. William Paley’s decision and goal to transform CBS news into a moneymaking entity. The transformation, while seemingly subtle, from journalists to stars marked the beginning of the end of integrity in journalism. The emphasis shifted from substance to appearance. From news cast to news show. It blurred the line between reporting facts and reporting about facts. We have gradually become conditioned to rely on news personalities to not just tell us the news, but tell us how we should react to it.

So now, truth is merely a matter of perspective. Your truth cannot be my truth unless you agree with me. And rather than being discerning consumers, we lap up whatever they’re pouring in the trough without a thought of questioning whether it’s accurate or OMG whether it’s true. Jake Tapper, while conducting an interview just this morning, actually quipped, “isn’t it our job to educate the public.” What? NO!!! Your JOB is to report facts so that the public is equipped to educate ourselves. Geez, Halloween aside, these are scary times.