Media criticism (n.) argues about means when a policy fails; the goals stay beyond challenge, and often beyond awareness.
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Media criticism (n.) in the mainstream asks only whether the press attacks power too hard or just right — never whether it serves power.
Media criticism (n.) changes nothing about ownership — a thousand books won't stop a merger — but it does teach people to defend themselves against propaganda.
Media criticism (n.) is allowed two positions on television: the press is too adversarial, or it is doing a creditable job — never that it serves power.
Media criticism (n.) from the left is welcomed only when the press needs a shield — and even then it must stick to personalities and never touch the institutions.
Media criticism (n.) from the right is welcome to the media: whether the verdict is "objective" or "leftish rebel," both flatter the belief that the press is independent.