What happened to journalistic integrity?

OPINION:

In my view, mainstream journalism should strive to challenge the powers that be in order to truly comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable in an increasingly unjust global existence. 

Instead I find that it has become a profession motivated largely by a regular company paycheck and a frequently published and broadcast name and face. Perhaps such journalism has become normalized as our ethical (and sometimes even moral) standards have taken a hit. 

Also troubling is that mainstream news outlet websites, including that of The Washington Post, are increasingly converting to “pay to say” formats, where the reader is allowed to consume the article without charge but must buy a subscription in order to comment.

Meantime, there still are reporters and editors who will reply to accusations of subjective journalism with the equivalent of “Who, me? I’m just the messenger.”

Whatever the news media may be, they are not just a messenger, nor are they but a reflection of the community in which they circulate.

FRANK STERLE JR. 

White Rock, British Columbia