Yes, there's more raw data there, but it's not always useful until it's aggregated and analyzed. Not everyone has time to sift through raw CSPAN footage or cen

Yes, there's more raw data there, but it's not always useful until it's aggregated and analyzed. Not everyone has time to sift through raw CSPAN footage or census data (I try). People (myself included) rely on sources for that. If some breaking news is happening, spotty raw data from the front lines can be really misleading about what's actually happening. You can also see the money draining out of traditional long-form reporting (and polls). These outlets more and more rely on rhetoric, opinions, and emotions instead of facts. I think part of it is that incentives are misaligned. I didn't want to throw shade on one side, but the Les Moonves quote, "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS." I think in addition to a news businesses focusing on being the best and financially successful, there's focus in politics where the only goal for each side is on winning instead of being right or living up to some ideals.