A polite, rational conversation does not get high viewership in the media. Television, radio, print all focus on the fringes because that's what generates viewe

A polite, rational conversation does not get high viewership in the media. Television, radio, print all focus on the fringes because that's what generates viewers/listeners/readers which in turn creates revenue. People in the US can agree on a great many things but media allows them to self reinforce extreme views. There are no requirements for balanced journalism reflecting reality. When 95% of experts agree on something and get the same 1 minute of air time that a representative of the 5% get it creates the appearance that both arguments have equal value. I can't fault media companies for catering to extremes because they are businesses and the model has proven to drive more revenue. I don't think this will change until the public starts rejecting fringe reporting (not likely to happen anytime soon).