By Kenneth Robinson

Managing Editor

Citizens, 

You are the media

It all changed when so-called “home computers” were available to everyone. Until that development, what we called ‘The media” was comprised of major city newspapers, community newspapers, radio stations, TV station and magazines. It was through those ‘mediums’ that got our news, opinions and degrees of information. This is what we called the Main Stream Media.

Unhappy with something you read in a paper? You could write letter to the editor. Didn’t like what you saw on TV? Stop watching. There were mechanisms for any and all to voice or at least act on their own opinion. 

Now, there are a million channels, podcasts, and ’shows’ like Fox News that give vent to individual opinions and point of view.

In other words, now YOU are the mainstream media. Your ability to reach thousands of citizens with your point of view makes you the media. The word ‘media’ is a collective noun. By using your computer to hold forth, you automatically join “the media”. 

This fact give all of us great power. Your words may well be able to sway ‘public’ opinion. To convince others to see the world as you see it. 

This is an important change in world and must be recognized and valued. You can no longer blame ‘the media’ for ideas that impact you negatively. Why not? Because you have the power too.

Instead of using that  power to denigrate those with whom you disagree, you have the opportunity to present your case with facts, logic and an intelligent presentation. You still might get your ass kicked. But at least your tried honestly.