They basically create content and put it out there, and all the news organizations basically sit at the spigot, basically watching the wires like hungry pigs waiting for the next feed. That’s basically the majority of what they do. They literally watch the wires 24 hours a day, and then report what information they’re given. Depending on the organization they decide what to report and when, and how much time to dedicate to it, but a large portion of the mainstream media is slave to only a few main sources of information.
And of course, as you might guess, the government is one of those major sources.
From everything to national and international news to local happenings — as discussed in War Made Easy (an incredibly well done film..I mean like, you need to watch it and send it to everyone you know)…they make the case quite clear that news organizations are quite beholden to government agencies, as if they report anything that is too unacceptable or out of line, they may not get the interview with the top General, or the CIA director, or the official for whatever agency has the most information on the topic at hand next time.
The case of Kelly Thomas is a great example on the local level. A local blog ended up basically breaking that story and bringing it to national and even international attention while the local media took no interest initially. And in that segment you hear the same thing…how reporters will even tell you straight up, they need to maintain at least a working relationship with the police, because if they print something that doesn’t shine well on the department, they’re not very likely to much information in the future. And of course they rely on the department for a lot of relevant info on crime and cases. So essentially, you have to play ball if you want to keep your own job.
It’s not that straightforward, but think about it…you need state approval before you can start your business, and virtually everything you do is under that government grant…which can be revoked at any time. You’re not going to get a governmental privilege without being at least “friendly” with the State (i.e. players within power positions). And you’re certainly not going to keep that privilege if you ever cross the line too far.