What is ‘the media’ and who is behind it?

As conversations about “the media” continue to spark debates across the country, veterans are being urged to take a closer look at what this often-used term truly encompasses.

When people accuse “the media” of lying, who exactly are they referring to? Is it the national outlets, local newsrooms, CNN, Joe Rogan, Breitbart, or The New York Times? Or perhaps the sentiment is directed at platforms that don’t align with one’s political beliefs.

“The media” is often spoken of as if it’s a singular, colluding entity. However, veterans are uniquely positioned to recognize the importance of understanding how critical information is distributed and its impact on public perception.

In reality, “the media” is made up of thousands of independently owned and operated outlets across the United States. While some companies or families own multiple outlets, the notion of a unified agenda is often overstated.

Ownership of Leading Media Outlets

A closer look at some of the country’s leading news organizations reveals a diverse range of ownership:

In television news, ownership is similarly varied:

• ABC News: Owned by Disney.
• CNN: Operated by Warner Bros. Discovery.
• Fox News: Controlled by Rupert Murdoch.
• NBC News: Owned by Comcast Corporation.
• NewsNation: Managed by Nexstar Media Group.

These examples represent just a fraction of the approximately 3,000 physical newsrooms operating nationwide—not to mention the growing influence of podcasters, bloggers, and freelancers.

Navigating Media Bias

It’s important to note that journalists, opinion hosts, and entertainment personalities often serve different roles and compete with one another. Credibility varies widely, with some outlets leaning politically left or right, while others strive for balanced and unbiased reporting.

Veterans are encouraged to utilize tools such as media bias charts or websites like AllSides to evaluate the reliability and perspectives of different news sources.