Peter Hitchens: 'News isn't just what happens. It's what a fairly small group of people decide is news.'

News isn't just what happens. It's what a fairly small group of people decide is news.

In his quote, Peter Hitchens offers a profound perspective on the nature of news and its crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. Simply put, news is not solely a reflection of events as they unfold, but rather a product of the choices made by a select few who determine what is newsworthy. This notion emphasizes that news is not an objective account of reality but a subjective construct influenced by various factors such as media outlets' interests, societal biases, and individual preferences. Hitchens' observation highlights the power wielded by those who curate and disseminate news, making it essential for us to recognize the underlying dynamics at play.However, delving deeper into this topic opens up a philosophical concept that challenges our perception of reality: the notion of reality as a collective agreement. This idea proposes that the world we experience is not an inherent truth but a socially constructed understanding shaped by shared beliefs, interpretations, and narratives. In this context, the news becomes a pivotal tool for reinforcing and perpetuating these shared constructs. What is selected as news influences our understanding of the world, shaping our opinions, attitudes, and ultimately our reality.By juxtaposing Hitchens' observation with the concept of reality as a collective agreement, we can draw intriguing comparisons and contrasts. While Hitchens emphasizes the role of a small group of individuals in determining what constitutes news, the notion of reality as a collective agreement suggests that the power to shape news extends beyond this select group. The beliefs, biases, and values of the wider society also play a significant role in influencing what is deemed newsworthy and subsequently shared with the public.Moreover, considering news as a reflection of collective agreement prompts us to question the inherent objectivity of news reporting. As news is filtered through various lenses, it becomes crucial to critically evaluate the sources and narratives presented to us. What we are presented with as news is not an absolute representation of reality but rather a carefully curated selection that conforms to the dominant ideologies and interests of those who control and influence the news cycle.This realization implies a responsibility for consumers of news to exercise discernment and actively seek diverse perspectives. By actively engaging with a range of news sources and considering alternative viewpoints, we can challenge the limited narratives offered by the "fairly small group" Hitchens describes. Actively seeking out a variety of perspectives allows us to transcend the constraints of collective agreement and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted realities that exist.In conclusion, Peter Hitchens' quote encapsulates the profound influence wielded by a select group of individuals in determining what is considered news. The power to shape news extends beyond mere reporting; it influences our perception of reality and contributes to the construction of shared beliefs and narratives. By introducing the concept of reality as a collective agreement, we deepen our understanding of the complexities at play. Recognizing this provides an imperative for us as consumers of news to approach it with critical thinking and seek diverse perspectives in order to move beyond the limitations imposed by those who decide what is news. Ultimately, it is by challenging the status quo and being open to alternative perspectives that we can foster a more informed and nuanced understanding of the world around us.