Objectivity as a Post-truth Excuse in Dystopian Realities

Abstract

It is not uncommon for news organizations to sacrifice truth telling for a journalistic form of objectivity that allows multiple parties to provide opinions, even though it is highly likely or very clear that some of those opinions are not based in reality. US news networks frequently hire political pundits to comment on current affairs. Many of those commentators have used that opportunity to view the talking points of the party they support or serve—often with disregard for truth or other ways to mislead viewers. Although it would be expected that prominent news organization would frown upon such deception in news environments, the programming format in which partisans debate political issues has been highly lucrative. This is especially the case during election campaigns, such as the US presidential elections, and during times of crises, such as military operations, terrorist attacks, and global health scares. This chapter examines how news outlets have operated during the so-called Post-Truth Era and how they actively have propelled pundits to powerful political positions that allowed them to provide false and misleading information from the highest levels of government. Kayleigh McEnany’s rise from CNN to the White House is presented as a case study.