The Media Machine and the Internet

   After reading Herman and Chomsky's theory on propaganda, I cannot help but feel even more frustrated with the media systems of today. I was exposed to the corruption within mass media as a freshman in CMC 100, and since then I have practiced being more critical of how the media portrays news. Even so, I am extremely bothered by the obvious systems that now make up the mass media world. The sheer control and monetary power that multinational businesses and advertisers have over print media, and the extreme influence that our governing body has over television and news media is sickening. By having such regulated ways of acquiring information about our country and the world, we are really only learning and understanding as much as these corporate and political influences want us to.
   I can't help but question though, how media outlets like Buzzfeed and HuffPost, who function strictly on the internet, fit into this equation. Of all media platforms, the internet is by far the one most resistant to censorship, and today, also seem like the ones who have the most influence. They have their own websites, but also have a huge presence on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Not only do they post current national and world news, but they also appeal to users by releasing cheeky and unconventional articles surrounding everyday life experiences that "normal" people may have, like the fact that "Clip-on Man Buns Are Here And They Absolutely Must Be Stopped" (BuzzFeed). At this point, it seems that your average consumer is somewhat wary of the news outlets and mass media, so by portraying themselves as "less than serious" compared to staunch and reputable publications like The New York Times and CNN, they are setting themselves apart and drawing a larger following. They also have an uncanny ability to produce articles in at an extremely fast rate compared to television media outlets or print media outlets. With the introduction of this new media outlet, the traditional outlets have tried to catch up and produce their own internet based media bodies though mass production of media and by reporting on "real life" situations. For example, as I scroll through my Facebook feed now, I see NBC has recently posted an article titled "Sick at School? Read Our Survival Guide For College Students." The influence of these new internet media outlets not only have given the big time media outlets a run for their money, but also has influenced them to start reporting on topics that are not considered "news".
   Although these media outlets essentially still feed off each other like traditional media outlets do, and still function off of the money brought in by advertising companies, could it be said that this infiltration of the internet could provide a way for media outlets to truly return to reporting on "real" news and not the censored reporting that they do in print and on television?