Bill Ackman Shares His Media Trustworthiness Epiphany
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently appeared on the Triggernometry podcast, where he discussed a crucial moment that shifted his view on the trustworthiness of the media. He explained how he, along with many others, were deceived by the media's creation of the “Very Fine People” hoax against then-President Donald Trump.
Media Misrepresentation and the Need for Change
Konstantin Kisin, the host, asked Ackman about his thought process during the election and his views on Donald Trump. Kisin pointed out how Ackman had spoken about being misled by mainstream media, leading to a distorted image of Trump. Kisin asked if there was a way to change this kind of environment where a candidate is immediately demonized and misrepresented.
In response, Ackman emphasized the need for neutral spaces in the media. He suggested that these spaces could counteract misinformation. He also pointed out that with certain platforms, individuals could fact-check or address issues within an hour of an article's release. This was not possible before, where one had to request corrections from newspapers and wait weeks for the correction to appear in a less noticeable section of the paper. Ackman believes that as public confidence in conventional media wanes, people will turn to empirical voices in podcasting and citizen journalism.
Ackman's Eye-Opening Moment
Ackman shared a significant moment that changed his perception of media trustworthiness. He had believed that Trump had referred to neo-Nazis and white nationalists as "very fine people." However, after watching the actual footage, he realized that Trump had explicitly condemned these groups. This was a turning point for Ackman, making him realize how the media had misled him. He also mentioned the 60 Minutes excerpting of Kamala Harris, highlighting how media manipulation can occur, especially with taped and excerpted media. To get to the truth, Ackman expressed a preference for hearing from the candidate directly, without scripts or teleprompters.
Bottom Line
Bill Ackman's revelation about media trustworthiness serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in our media consumption. It's a call to be vigilant and discerning, especially in an age where misinformation can easily spread. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think there's a need for more neutral spaces in the media? Share this article with your friends and let's continue the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.