A subject on which Jonathan Neville and I completely agree

I frequently point out topics where I disagree with Jonathan Neville over matters of interpretation, as well as of fact.

But sometimes he and I are in complete agreement, and I feel it’s only fair that I point these out when they come along.

Today he wrote:

Here’s a useful suggestion: turn off the news for a day or two.

The news industry has a business model that requires people to watch and read regularly. The more viewers and readers they get, the more money they get from advertisers. You are paying their salaries every time you tune in to their shows or click on their web pages.

The media knows people will watch and read more if they are alarmed, angry, upset, afraid, etc., so they focus on events that generate these emotions. In many cases, they create news to generate these emotions. The pundits do nothing but generate these emotions. They frame everything as a competition between left and right, anti- and pro-Trump, etc.

It’s outrage theater and we’re better off doing something other than paying for the performances.

Turn off the news, go exercise, and be grateful for all the blessings God has given you.

Amen, brother. Years ago, I heard a commentator refer to the news media as “a proctologist’s view of America.” That assessment has never been more accurate than it is today.

—Peter Pan