Paul Rigmaiden: Media failed, turned election into a game show

I am concerned that the newspapers, television stations and radio programs we read, watch and listen to functioned more as boxing promoters than as a free press devoted to its mission as the fourth estate. Rather than attend to the issues we face, mass media appeared focused on the creation of a false equivalency between the two candidates for the presidency.

Profitability in the form of campaign advertising and entertainment value likely played a part in the media approach to campaign coverage. As a consequence, many of us focused on the personalities of the two major candidates. Hillary Clinton’s qualifications and accomplishments were overshadowed by allegations of corruption and mistrust, though she was never charged with a crime.

Donald Trump’s absurd, controversial comments were contrasted with claims of his alleged strength and decisiveness. Additionally, social media generally facilitates the spread of uninformed, unsubstantiated opinion instead of facts and a great deal of political commentary could be described as blithering. What a recipe! I wish we would grow up. A presidential election is not supposed to be a game show.

This story was originally published November 14, 2016 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Paul Rigmaiden: Media failed, turned election into a game show."