Katie, where’s the real news?

RE “Katie, You’re On,” Sept. 5: The reason network news audiences have been going down and other forms of personal news acquisition have been going up is that people are interested in news.

Writer Matea Gold never mentions the lack of quality news as a possible reason for viewer exodus. This blind spot is systemic and institutional. Lack of timely reporting on issues; disinterest in getting to the bottom of stories; sensationalism, parent companies’ conflicts of interest and self-promotion all drive viewers away.

There is no commercial network in America that is in touch with its responsibility to build and maintain an informed electorate -- to strengthen democracy by developing and nourishing critical thinkers. At a time in history when so much depends on making informed choices, it is sad to say that although network TV may be entertaining, it is not where people go to find the truth.

THOMAS MYRON FELDMAN

La Canada