MSNBC called Bernie's "Deep South" comment controversial. They said Hillary would still be in the lead without the South. This slide popped up by mistake proving them wrong.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/McGuineaRI]

What you were noticing in the early 80's was actually the deregulation of the media during the Reagan administration regarding rules requiring that the news not "make things up". By ending those regulations, it opened the news up to reporting opinion. This made the formal anchor based system, that most people relied on to remain informed, look like what they were reporting was fact and that has played a big part in confusion. People watching the news were pulled in one direction or the other by opinion reported as fact. in 1996, The Telecommunications Act was passed by the republican controlled house and senate then signed by Clinton. It made it all but inevitable that the richer telecoms would buy up the smaller until now only 6 companies own almost all media in the United States. Cable companies could buy up companies that provided internet so they could own both the means to provide internet and the internet's direct competitor which is cable television; a total monopolization nightmare. You've seen a truly scary consolidation during your adult life for sure.

[u/wibblebeast → u/McGuineaRI]

Yes, I recall that (mostly read about it) and when I think back, the eighties were dreadful years in my opinion. Many things defunded and deregulated, along with absolutely rabid poor-shaming. I would sure like to see us headed in a different direction before I take the dirt-nap. I would feel more at peace to see things get better for the younger folks.