More to the point, it's actively abused. You can't say people aren't allowed to lie, so they can heavily editorialize or even outright fabricate and still call it news. Because the average person watches the news to be told, not to think, networks that do as above in a way that reinforces people's preconceived notions are rewarded with viewership. In an effort to regain viewers, the so-called "legitimate" networks resort to cheap gimmicks and demagoguery of their own, and the actual news gets lost in the scuffle.
One of the best parts about having an independent public broadcaster is that they aren't slaves to viewership, and by association ads. BBC, CBC, NPR, PBS... all have quality news programs. CNN, Fox, MSNBC... not so much.
One of the best parts about having an independent public broadcaster is that they aren't slaves to viewership, and by association ads. BBC, CBC, NPR, PBS... all have quality news programs. CNN, Fox, MSNBC... not so much.