• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, February 24, 2017

After much on air promotion from TV and radio news organizations, print-based newspapers are working up their efforts in a big way.

The New York Times, for example, is airing its first Oscars TV commercial. According to media industry estimates is costing Oscars advertisers around $2.1 million or so for a spot on ABC this year.

The main theme for the NYT is around “truth.” The adshows some simple graphic statements on a white background -- kind of like the newspaper itself -- with a background of growing arguing voices.

Statements include: “The truth is alternative facts are lies”; “The truth is media dishonest”; and “The truth is women’s rights are human rights” — then a blizzard of other variations on a theme. Then it reveals the real key message The New York Times wants to impart: “The truth is hard to find... to know... is more important than ever.”

Why now -- and why in a big way? President Trump has made media a big issue. His most recent anti-democratic screed is to call the media “the enemy of the American People.”

We see where this is going. TV networks are already altering their message -- talking up the value of independent journalism. Since the first of the year, CNN has placed $2.46 million in on-air advertising for its own promotion, according to iSpot.tv

It perhaps moves to another level after this weekend, when the Academy Awards are being held. At a big conservative convention on Thursday, Steve Bannon, Trump Administration chief strategist, says the media relationship will is “going to get worse every day.”

Bannon also added at the event: “The corporatist, globalist media” and has been "always wrong" about the administration.  That means 100%, no? 

If Bannon can get us accurate data about the “always” stuff, I’m sure the media will be keen to listen. Meantime, we are waiting for other facts -- like evidence of illegal voting in the “millions,” terrorist attacks not being reported, and  the U.S. murder rate being its highest in 47 years.