New York Times executive editor Joe Kahn’s delusion about journalism illustrates why, left to him, the country would be on the verge of a fascist takeover.
Executive Editor Joe Kahn is willfully delusional.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
In the interview with Joe Kahn, the executive editor of the New York Times, it becomes clear that he is willfully delusional. When Semafor’s co-founder, Ben Smith, asked why the Times does not see its job as stopping Trump and saving democracy, Kahn responded by stating that the role of the news media is to provide impartial information and let the voters make their own choices. While this may sound like a reasonable answer, it is a dangerously ignorant perspective.
Kahn argues that the news media should not skew their coverage towards one candidate or the other but instead provide well-rounded coverage of both candidates. He believes that it is not the job of the media to prevent Trump from being elected but rather the job of Biden and his supporters to prevent that from happening. Kahn asserts that the news media should not become a propaganda arm for a single candidate, as it goes against the principles of democracy.
However, this perspective fails to acknowledge Trump’s threats to democracy. By not actively working to prevent Trump from gaining power, the news media is effectively allowing the erosion of democracy. Kahn’s argument that the media should prioritize other issues, such as immigration and the economy, is misguided. These issues may be important, but they should not overshadow the fundamental importance of protecting democracy.
Furthermore, Kahn’s claim that the New York Times and other media outlets are not biased towards Biden is questionable. The skewed reporting and misinformation spread by these outlets contribute to the misinformation that the American people receive. If the media accurately reported the root causes of issues like immigration and the economy, the blame would not solely fall on Biden. The media perpetuates a false narrative that undermines the public’s understanding of these issues by promoting false equivalences or highlighting valueless but extraordinary news.
Kahn’s assertion that democracy is not the top concern for the American people is also troubling. Democracy should always be a top priority, as it is the foundation of a free society. Without democracy, the role of the news media as a source of impartial information is compromised. By not actively working to preserve democracy, the media is undermining its own existence.
.Joe Kahn’s perspective on the role of the news media in stopping Trump and saving democracy is dangerously ignorant. By prioritizing impartiality over actively working to protect democracy, Kahn and the New York Times are failing in their duty as journalists. The media should not be a propaganda arm for any candidate, but it should also not shy away from actively exposing those who pose a threat to democracy. The media must fulfill its role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable.
Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and join the conversation for more insightful commentary and to support progressive messages. Together, we can populate the internet with progressive messages that represent the true aspirations of most Americans.