Grab your favorite soft drink and popcorn…this is better than anything you can get on Netflix.
We are entering a new phase of journalism where individuals have more power than the platforms (Washington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS, New York Times, Gannett, etc.) who previously owned access to all information.
For the past 40 years, because of how information was captured, packaged and re-sold to us, it was imperative that the industry consolidate in order to compete through economies of scale which eventually led to the consolidation of the media industry – 6 companies owning 80% of all media we read, listen to, and watch.
These 6 companies are part of the Oligarchy and as you can imagine, if you own the flow of information, you have tremendous power. Was it abused?
You betcha…the sole purpose of the free press was to work for the benefit of the people as a 4th branch of government to ensure government didn’t abuse its power, and ensure our democracy remained in tact by holding back the greedy capitalists who have been a threat to our democracy ever since the founding of this great nation.
Once the Oligarchs decided to own the free press – they neutered the power of our 4th branch of government just like they neutered our politicians in Washington and Indianapolis.
We were told what they wanted us to hear. The government was part of this consolidated entity as we all know monied interests control the politicians. We now see monied interests buying school board seats to ensure they get their agenda upheld in privatizing schools.
The Oligarchs own and control the three branches of our federal government – executive, legislation, and judicial. They own our statehouses through ALEC where over 200 corporations come together and create laws for politicians to implement on their behalf – which they do.
However, now we are experiencing tremendous change within the journalism industry as people and organizations move outside of the established Oligarchy (like Muncie Voice & Middletown Voice) to hold the entire “establishment” accountable – the roots of the free press – the 4th estate – the 4th branch of government.
Read the accompanying article from Pando Daily and the response from Glenn Greenwald. They will give you a taste of where things are going and it will make you view Gannett’s rag with a whole different perspective.
Privatization of NSA Secrets: Glenn Greenwald Responds.