Comment on "Pulling the veil off the media" (China Daily, Dec 27)

The article contains some valid criticisms. But it seems to confuse between the terms "mainstream" and "independent".

It rightly criticizes the corporate ownership of most so-called mainstream media outlets. Also right is its assertion that powerful capitalist groups are arguably the real rulers of Western countries, for they use the media to effectively promote their interests and, when appropriate, criticize politicians and parties that are not subservient enough to those interests.

In this way, one can say that corporate media owners shape public opinion, make or break political candidates and ensure the well-being of corporate interests. Yet it is misleading to identify corporate "mainstream" media with "independent" media.

While it is true that freedom of the press is enshrined in the US Constitution through the First Amendment, and while private media ownership is considered vital to the flourishing of true democracy, in effect the corporate-owned "mainstream" media cannot be considered "independent" or impartial.

Although private, corporate-controlled media may qualify as "independent", they serve, in fact, corporate and/or government interests. "Independent" media outlets are those that serve neither corporate nor government interests, but instead express "alternative" viewpoints.

James Morgante, via e-mail

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 01/11/2012 page9)