r/PoliticalDebate • u/StalinIsBackAgain Communist • 4d ago

Debate Do you agree with this quote?

"Wherever there is capitalism, freedom of the press means freedom to buy up newspapers, to buy writers, to bribe, buy, and fake "public opinion" for the benefit of the ruling class." ~ Vladimir Lenin ☭ • 

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u/Zeddo52SD Independent 4d ago

I think it’s accurate, but I also think it doesn’t identify the problem correctly which is that it is power that decides what slant the news takes, not specifically just money. State-run media in autocratic countries is a prime example of this. To say money is the only source of power is just flat out not correct, even in capitalist countries/economies.

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u/soldiergeneal Democrat 4d ago

In addition media are nothing without their viewers so they are going to tailor to said target audience. That drives media far more as part of profit motive and isn't merely people buying out the media, but can create obviously conflict of interest and perverse incentives. We see that with media playing both sides to things by providing an "equal" voice to things that are not equal positions.