"I ran the paper purely for propaganda, and with no other purpose." (Max Aitken, 1st Baron Beaverbrook). Beaverbrook was the original 'Press Baron', of course, and 'the paper' was the Daily Express. This has always been the downfall of the Press. Proprietors will keep firm control of what is reported, and how, in their papers, and will hire editors who are either in agreement with them, or at least compliant. The aim is not to print the truth, but what they see as the truth.

"What is truth?" asks jesting Pilate. Truth isn't facts. The poor man on the street is a fact. The truth of him depends on who is reporting on him. The Socialist sees the victim of an unjust society who can only be helped by changing society. The Liberal will see someone deserving of help from a compassionate society. The Conservative sees someone put in his rightful place by God and tradition, who will get his reward in Heaven. The Capitalist sees someone too lazy or stupid to make himself rich. None of these are 'The Truth', but they are all 'truths' to different people.

Can one simply report the facts and leave interpretation to the reader? Perhaps, but why would anyone buy such a publication? People buy newpapers to have ther own ideas authoritatively confirmed. or to be told what they should think about the issues. Or to read salacious gossip, betting tips and the sports news. But apparently not for topless glamour models as the Sun did not suffer loss of sales after dropping its' Page 3 feature!

The attempt to offer news as a public service was first undertaken by the BBC. Forced to political neutrality by its' charter, BBC News has been highly regarded by many in the past. Indeed, it continues to be castigated by right-wingers for its left-wing bias and by left-wingers for its right-wing bias. Must be doing somethng right!

But in a world of social media echo chambers and 'fake news', you have to wonder if anyone is really interested in either knowing the truth or solving the problems?