Is the American media looked down upon?

Answer 1

If you are asking how people from other countries feel about the American media, that is difficult to say, without surveying them to get their perceptions. But if you are asking whether Americans look down on their own media, that too does not have a simple answer. Here's why: Throughout history, people have always debated about the media (which used to be called the "press"). Even hundreds of years ago, people accused the media of being biased or covering too much scandal. Today, most Americans seem to be ambivalent about the media. Many people love and rely upon it, while others seem to enjoy criticizing it. Since "the media" comprise many things-- radio, television, newspapers & magazines, recorded music, movies, the internet-- it's difficult to say they are all looked down upon. But each has fans, and each has critics.

In a country like the United States which has freedom of the press, it's not likely that everyone will agree about the media; but it would mainly be partisans who look down on it. In other words, people who are faithful Democrats or faithful Republicans are the ones who believe the news media are biased and don't report the news fairly, or favor one candidate over another. Some critics also say the media are too corporate, and unwilling to confront the wealthy or the powerful. But the average person probably doesn't analyze it that much. Most people who use the media appreciate the fact that there are many ways to get information, and most people will choose the kinds of media that give them what they are seeking, whether it's entertainment, news, sports, or political commentary.