I recently discussed a troubling example of why the mainstream media is losing public trust. CBS News published an article about Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, highlighting that he was investigated for alleged sexual assault in 2017. However, what many might not realize is that Hegseth was never charged or convicted of a crime.
There’s no justification for publishing this story, and it’s not because I support or oppose Hegseth. It’s about journalism and integrity. In my experience working in TV news, we’d often hear about investigations without charges. Yet, we wouldn’t air these stories because doing so would not only be irresponsible but could also open us up to potential defamation or slander lawsuits. I don’t understand how CBS News, or any reputable outlet, publishes such headlines and gets away with it.
Yes, public figures like Hegseth face a higher burden of proof for defamation, but this type of reporting crosses the line into journalism malpractice. It’s troubling that critical details, such as Hegseth’s decorated military career and academic achievements from Princeton and Harvard, were buried at the bottom of the article. This kind of reporting makes it look like the intent is to tarnish reputations.
I questioned why the Monterey, California police department even issued a statement when no charges were filed. The media should be held to a standard where unproven allegations don’t become front-page news. This isn’t about defending a specific person—it’s about maintaining public trust. Whether it's Hegseth, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or anyone else, if you’re not charged, it shouldn’t be made public.
Would you want an investigation into your life made public if you were never charged with a crime? This kind of reporting is why people don’t trust the mainstream media. It’s disappointing, and I’m proud to say that the newsrooms I worked in throughout my career, from Mid-Michigan to Pittsburgh, would never have published such a story. It’s this dedication to journalistic integrity that’s missing today. Let me know what you think in the comments and share your thoughts on the state of the media.
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