Currently, Rupert Murdoch's empire includes nine satellite networks, 100 cable channels, 175 newspapers, etc. It reaches some 4.7 billion people, more than half of the world's population. Despite claims to the effect that the network was to "restore objectivity," this has clearly not been the case. However, when one considers Fox against the rest of the media world, there is little that could be called 'objective.' Even reality shows and talk shows bias their assertions and views according to a certain favored viewpoints, whether these are socially popular at any given time or not. Indeed, this is the core principle of the media -- to influence the public view according to the viewpoint it favors.
What this boils down to is that the "Outfoxed" piece could apply to any media network or effort in the world. No piece of media is ever unbiased or objective. However, what the film does do is highlight the necessity for the public to become critical thinkers. While there are many different...
Accepting a viewpoint should only follow thorough and critical thinking about it. What the "Outfoxed" video did for me, therefore, is more than simply highlight the flaws of a single news network. Instead, it also highlighted the necessity of the public to cultivate thinking skills that would identify flaws in news casting, talk show hosting, and any other type of media, even if these pieces claim to be "objective." Indeed, even "Outfoxed" itself is not without its flaws, biased as it is.
What I would have liked to see in the video is a more balanced view between the positive and the negative. I would have liked to see some interviews with people who could highlight the positive aspects of the network as well, for example. Nevertheless, my reaction to the clip was generally favorable. It provided good food for thought, and also allowed further thinking towards other types of media presentations.
