I recently read a post (from August) by Kos that asked people to stop referring to the large media outlets as MSM. He argues that MSM is a conservative concoction and that
more importantly, by calling them "mainstream media", we are saying that we ourselves aren't mainstream, and that's not something I'm willing to concede.
I think he’s right there, but he suggests that "traditional media" take its place (with the possible alternative of corporate media) and I'm not sure I agree.
For conservatives, MSM is nestled in a larger narrative about "elite" "liberals" "controlling" the media. I think everyone on Daily Kos would disagree with that narrative, although I think the concept of elite may have traction here in connection with the phrase "corporate elite." For progressives, MSM carries with it the narrative of power-driven, profit-driven, corporately-controlled news outlets (I welcome some more input here though in fleshing that out).
But is "traditional" the answer? Kos calls it a neutral word, but it has strong meaning in different contexts. Think of "traditional marriage" or "traditional family." Conservative messages come to mind? Traditional is a word pretty well co-opted by the right. On the other hand, there are great traditions we are fighting for as progressives: Democracy, civil liberties, justice, equality... Given the goal of speaking to more than our own community, "traditional" is too slippery a word.
I like the use of "corporate media" for one truth it reveals: Major news outlets are concentrated in the hands of a few corporations. It also has a negative connotation which is usually deserved.
On the other hand, we should consider Kos' argument that when major media outlets tell the truth that’s a good thing and we need that. We should be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water by trashing everyone. So "traditional media" and even "corporate media" don’t seem 100% effective. We need better terms, especially to talk about most of these people. Ironpath recently posted with some ideas Anyone else?