INtelligence Squared Debate: Good RIddance to Mainstream Media?
As newspapers go under, the network newscasts lose viewers and the mainstream media in general see more and more of their audience shift online, are we as a society better or worse off?
Some argue that the diversity of voices available on the Internet to provide information and analysis makes for a better system. Others say a decline in traditional journalism means lower standards and fewer resources to investigate crucial stories. A panel of experts took on this topic Oct. 27 in an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate. Three panelists argued for the motion “Good Riddance to Mainstream Media” and three against in an Oxford-style debate. Before the debate, the audience at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts voted 25 percent in favor of the motion and 50 percent against. Twenty-five percent was undecided. After the debate, 24 percent supported the motion “Good Riddance to Mainstream Media,” while 68 percent opposed it and 8 percent remained undecided. The debate was moderated by John Donvan, correspondent for ABC News’ Nightline.
