Sinclair network anchors decrying ‘fake stories’ have been condemned for giving biased support to President Trump. But nostalgic calls to restore civil political discussion on the air ignore history.
A purported contract between Sinclair and an anchor demanded a huge penalty if the employee quit. While many asked if that’s legal, a more interesting question is why more companies don’t do the same thing.
The fake news label has been used by politicians to discredit unfavourable media stories. But even assuming good intentions, new laws are incapable of tackling the menace.