The Current State of American News Media and Political Polarization

Recent reports have suggested that Psaki, the communications director for President Joe Biden, stated that Biden does not wish to engage in public confrontation with FOX News after the fallout from former President Trump's actions. Given the history of media centers and their influence, it is crucial to understand the role of media in exacerbating or mitigating political polarization in America.

A Historical Context of Media Division

It is important to recognize that media division is not a new phenomenon. Going back two centuries, the media landscape was just as divided during the election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Mainstream media outlets in the 1800s were no less partisan as those we see today. Newspapers favored either Adams or Jefferson, and the most egregious charges were leveled against the candidate they opposed. For instance, newspapers that supported Adams propagated false rumors that Jefferson was 'boinking' his slaves, a phrase that means to have an extramarital or illicit sexual relationship. Modern DNA testing confirms that Jefferson did indeed have children with Sally Heming, one of his slaves.

Polarization and Media Bias

The media landscape today is divided along ideological lines, with outlets like Fox News, OAN, Breitbart, and Info Wars on the right, and Mother Jones, Talking Points Memo, and PoliticusUSA on the left. However, the level of divisiveness amongst these outlets is often overstated. Their news consumption level does not necessarily reflect a majority of the American public. According to research, the daily viewership of purely ideological news outlets, excluding social media, is in the 10-20 million range. Fox News alone claims nearly 10 million viewers daily, accounting for 3-6% of the US population.

The Impact of Media Bias on Public Trust

Given the proliferation of partisan media, it is no surprise that public trust in the media has waned. In an era where individuals can easily self-select the news they consume based on their pre-existing beliefs, it is harder than ever to find news sources that are reliable and balanced. The same can be said for the government, as many Americans perceive it to be prioritizing its own interests over those of the citizens.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that only 40% of adults say they trust the news media a great deal or quite a lot. This mistrust is exacerbated by the fact that each side of the political spectrum uses media to reinforce their echo chambers, further entrenching their beliefs and creating a barrier to productive dialogue.

The Influence of Gerrymandering and Partisan Primaries

The influence of these partisan media outlets is also evident in the political process. Gerrymandering and partisan primaries tend to result in the election of more extreme candidates, leading to the formation of a more polarized Congress. According to data from the American Academy of Political and Social Science, only about 10-15% of the population's views might be accurately represented by the views held by Congress.

Implications for Future Political Landscape

As the influence of these extreme voices over Congress increases, it is inevitable that the polarization of American society will deepen. The question remains, however, how effective these extreme voices are in fragmenting the 85% of the population that is not already at the ideological extremes. The events of January 6, 2021, are a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a deeply polarized society.

In 2022 and 2024, it will be crucial to observe any changes in news consumption habits. Will individuals who have distanced themselves from media continue to do so, or will they seek out more balanced sources of information? Will the political climate be such that a greater number of Americans will be driven to choose a side and engage with media that reinforces their beliefs?

In conclusion, the role of media in American political polarization is significant, with the potential to either unite or divide. As we move forward, it is essential to support media outlets that prioritize fact-based reporting and to engage in thoughtful discourse that transcends ideological divisions.