Final answer:
Journalists may provide outdated facts or biased opinions due to a selection of sources that support their viewpoints, the media industry's pursuit of profit, and the pressures of online news platforms where speed can trump accuracy. A balanced reporting of multiple perspectives is essential for credible journalism and an informed public.
Step-by-step explanation:
Journalistic Bias and the Use of Outdated Facts
There are various reasons why journalists might present outdated facts or appear to support a particular opinion. Bias by the selection of sources is a common issue in journalism, where reporters might include more sources that support one view over another to align with their preferred narrative. Such bias can materialize when using phrases like "experts believe" or "most people think," without offering a balanced perspective. This practice can misinform the public by only sharing selective viewpoints and omitting a comprehensive discourse with multiple angles.
Moreover, the media industry is frequently critiqued for its pursuit of profit and not covering government and public affairs in-depth, potentially resulting in a lack of diverse views on policy issues. This criticism often extends to opinion writers in forms of editorials and blogs, where personal beliefs are put forth with an intent to persuade, sometimes utilizing outdated information to support their stance. The credibility of opinion writers plays a significant role in their influence on the public.
The rise of online news platforms has compounded the issue, with increased instances of unvetted material and a rush to publication causing typographical and factual errors. The urgency to break news stories first can sometimes lead to reporting that lacks accuracy. Legacy news organizations have the challenge of maintaining the integrity of journalism in the digital era, adding details and real-time updates to their online coverage to keep the public well-informed.