Funding the News in the United States
Living in the era of advanced technologies can become a serious challenge for any kind of new media. The government policies should introduce sufficient funding to sustain development of media in the United States. Certainly, the emergence of online databases and virtual communication networks has decreased the level of radio and television news inquiries because everything is available on the Internet.
However, the rapid expansion of online communication channels does not ensure the credibility and validity of the messages. Therefore, the U.S. administration should reconsider the public policy and define new ways of funding postal and news systems for citizens to receive valid information.
The government should explore new efficient ways to sustain the production of information and news that could support the respectable image of the government in general and ensure transparency of information exchange. New providers can take advantage of the Internet technology to transfer reliable information to customers.
At the same time, the Congress considers that this type of information transmittance should also be taxed to provide equal access of all public news providers. However, worse conditions are proposed to cable news providers that have to pay a fee to various providers, including CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
However, due to the fact that the Internet as a tool of information exchange has been popularized by users, numerous governmental news and press providers “…will inevitably be reduced and eliminated, superseded by advances in new technology” (Cowan & Westphal, 2010, p. 1). As a result, the government is forced to resort to legislature and ethics to oppose the unequal treatment of mass media channels.
The financing of news media has been immensely affected by the declines in advertising revenues due to the technological changes. In this respect, Nilakantan (n. d.) insists, “…given the financial difficulties that the newspaper industry is facing, tax breaks are likely to pay an important role in ensuring the industry’s future viability” (p. 1).
In this respect, the government should work out consistent strategies that would allow online providers to encourage the development of new distribution channels. In addition, tax payment policies should also be regulated efficiently to ensure sufficient funding of news and press in the United States.
At a glance, the newspaper and television industry seems to have little significant for the economic and social welfare of the U.S. citizens. However, transparent and regular allocation of news, as well as constant supervision of events and changes occurred to the nation is the basis for ensuring security and protection of American society.
With regard to the 9/11 events, the validity and privacy of certain data could also be enhanced as soon as the government pays attention to the postal subsidiaries. Military insurance, therefore, is not enough for enhancing the security and welfare of the nation. Constant information flow and development of multiple communication channels is another approach to enhancing stable economic and political advancement in the country.
In conclusion, although many public policies have been tremendously supported by the U.S. governmental funds, little attention has been given to the news funding. Indeed, recent research tax reforms and funding cuts have raised the challenges for mass media to keep delivering valid and reliable news.
However, a wide access to the World Wide Web has undermined the security of information flow and, therefore, the traditional channels of distribution should be restored and supported by the government.
References
Cowan, G., & Westphal, D. (2010). Public Policy and Funding the News. University of Southern California. Web.
Nilakantan, R. (n. d.). Tax Policy Affecting the New Business. USC Annenberg Center on Communication and Leadership & Policy. Web.