A good observation! Part of the reason for this easy way out is that media are shifting their resources more to the dissemination of the news rather than the gathering of news. This means more outlets through media convergence (newspaper owns tv station and both have web sites and blogs) with fewer staff to support them. Facts and perspectives still can be found in major national/international print media such as the Wall Street Journal or the Times but smaller dailies and less robust media markets are having to depend more on what they receive than what they generate.

Good point and a scary one. With capabilities such as cell phone cameras, text messaging and other instant info mechanisms available, it will become more difficult to differentiate between “real” news and photos and “instant reporter material.” While eye witnesses to events are generally regarded as the most credible people in that situation, they are notoriously wrong in their observations. It will be incumbent on the media to make sure that the information they are receiving is accurate before using it. Unfortunately, because of on-going layoffs in the media, many media are relying more on bloggers, instant reporters and other over-the-transom material because they don’t have the staff to verify information. Thus, it becomes incumbent on us — as readers and viewers — to be more careful in what we accept as “news” from the media.
Wilma