Buffoon of the Week Staff
In today’s modern media, one thing is clear: journalists no longer simply reporting the news. Instead, many have embraced a role where they shape the news to fit their ideological narratives. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve likely encountered individuals and outlets more interested in crafting stories that align with their political views rather than presenting the facts. Welcome to the world of “Hacks,” a category of buffoon that takes center stage in our review of the dumbest newsmakers of the week.
What is a “Hack” in Journalism?
As Gene Berardelli discusses in his book, Schnooks, Crooks, Liars & Scoundrels, a “Hack” actively manipulates stories and prioritizes shaping public perception over presenting objective facts. Hacks spoon-feed viewers a conclusion rather than allowing them to come to their own. This bias is seen across both left and right-leaning media, but the focus is on the more prominent hacks within left-leaning outlets.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: For more buffoonery, check out our review of the Culture Warriors of the year here!)
A prime example of how hacks shape narratives is CNN’s coverage of Trump rallies in 2024. Instead of objectively reporting on the event, CNN framed Trump rallies – and their attendants as extremist. MSNBC even compared attendees to Nazis. The use of inflammatory language and misleading comparisons is a textbook example of how media can distort reality to fit a narrative, rather than providing factual, balanced reporting.
JD Vance’s Epic Takedown of Martha Raddatz
One of the most memorable moments exposing media hackery was when JD Vance brilliantly took down ABC’s Martha Raddatz. During a heated exchange, Vance called out Raddatz for downplaying the severity of Venezuelan gang violence in the U.S., exposing her blas slant in reporting. Vance’s unflinching rebuttal makes him a standout figure in the fight against media narratives and an inspired others to support the Trump-Vance ticket.
Joy Reid: Race-Baiting Hack
When it comes to sustained buffoonery, few journalists embody the term “hack” more than MSNBC’s Joy Reid. Reid is not only a hack but according to Ross Galloway, also “genuinely dumb,” pushing narratives that lack factual foundation. Despite her low ratings, Reid continues to peddling her race-baiting tropes; a perfect example of how hacks can survive and even thrive in the modern media ecosystem, despite their lack of credibility.
“Mourning”Joe Scarborough’s Shifting Allegiances
Once part of the Republican movement in the 1990s, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of Morning Joe have shifted their political allegiances over the years. The video calls out their inconsistent positions and lack of explanation for these dramatic shifts, labeling them as “sellouts” and “liars” for not owning up to their changing views. Not to mention that “Mourning” Joe’s committed the biggest fraud in media this year by touting Joe Biden’s sharp mind mere weeks before Biden withdrew from the presidential campaign.
The Rise of “Alternative” Media Platforms
One of the more interesting trends highlighted this year has been the emergence of alternative cable media outlets like NewsNation and Newsmax. Former mainstream media personalities have poped up on these alternatives and continue their careers. Even those like Chris Cuomo and Geraldo Rivera, each of whom acted as Hacks who lost credibility in the past have found a second home. This speaks to the power of hacks to remain relevant longer than ever before, with platforms like podcasts and alternative news channels offering a second life for those once deemed “irrelevant.”
Why Identifying “Hacks” Matters
Public trust in the media is at an all-time low. It’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the forces at play behind the news they consume. Journalistic integrity is more important than ever in an environment of social media “scoops” and media bias. On the flipside, media figures are more interested in maintaining their influence and advancing political agendas.
As our video reveals, the battle against journalistic hackery is far from over. Luckily, voices like JD Vance, Elon Musk and Joe Rogan offer a much-needed counterbalance. If you want to stay informed and avoid falling prey to media anipulation, we must all think critically when consuming news.
