Both sides agree that anyone can be a journalist in the U.S. without a license or requirements for fairness. While problems exist with some media organizations having biases, government regulation could threaten press independence and act as a watchdog against those in power, and consumers playing a role in deciding what stories are popular or not through their views and shares can help shape quality journalism.

14. Both sides agree on some
things about the media ...

18. Anyone in America
can be a “journalist”
● You don’t need a license to practice
● No laws require fairness and objectivity --
Congress did away with the “Fairness
Doctrine” for TV

21. How to fix the problem?
● Gov’t regulation could hinder press
independence and its watchdog role
● Imagine if the president decided who
could be a journalist or what constituted
“fake news”

22. Ethics

25. America’s press isn’t perfect, but it’s necessary

26. The public has an important role to play
in “fixing” problems in journalism...
Journalism is a business. Ultimately consumers
will be the gatekeepers by deciding which stories
get clicks and shares and which stories don’t get
attention. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Become media literate. Support good journalism.