The Media in the context of a political contest has a function similar to that of a witness in a criminal trial. By committing perjury the witness prevents the jury from issuing a correctly informed verdict. The results of which are wrong, such as the conviction of an innocent individual, and could be disastrous, like the acquittal of a murderous psychopath. Thus the act of perjury must be treated as a punishable crime.
Similarly, when the Media misinforms the electorate the result can be disastrous. Such as the election on an individual who is philosophically and experientially unfit to hold the office.
But we're not supposed to hold reporters and publishers responsible for those destructive actions.
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