[quote=harvey]
The typical comeback to concerns about the influence of right-wing media is an obscure example of a wacky left-wing commentator or site – “see both sides are the same!” But the right has substantial mass, their “news” shows dominate the ratings and their message is far more biased.
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Exactly.
[quote=harvey]
Right wing media is huge business in America. In the mainstream Fox is far bigger than CNN, and the right wing fringe sites really aren’t so fringe at all. The Pat Dollards and AM talk radio shows have millions of regular and consistent followers. There is nothing of equivalent mass on the left.
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Indeed.
[quote=harvey]
The reason for the disparity is simple: There’s more money to be made in right-wing politics. Energy companies need to trash the environment and military contractors need constant war. But you can’t sell that message directly. They’ve learned that the “look at what these unpatriotic liberals are up to now” does sell. In a big way.
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I don’t agree with the money part. I agree that there’s more money to be made in right-wing politics. And that you can’t sell that message directly. But I’m not sure how that money would get to right-wing media. I mean, military contractors and energy companies aren’t buying advertising or funding, as far as I can tell, the right-wing media in any way. I’m not sure how that would work. I wouldn’t put it past them. I’m certain they would if they could, and if it were necessary, but I don’t see how it would work.
I also don’t think it’s necessary. I think that right-wing media is extremely popular because it tells right wingers what they want to hear. It tells them they’re right about everything. It makes them feel good about themselves. It makes them feel strong and smart. It makes them feel like they’re better and stronger and manlier than whiny liberal pansies. That stuff sells. It sells way better than the truth. People flock to Fox Propaganda and Breitbart and the Drudge Report. You don’t need energy companies and military contractors to fund that. Procter and Gamble is all you need.
