The Obvious Reason: Why Public Trust in Traditional Media is Evaporating in Japan

On social media, the keyword "The Obvious Reason" has become a major focal point of discussion. The buzz started after an article titled "The Obvious Reason Why Newspapers and TV Lost the Public’s Trust" was published by President Online, leading many users to debate the current state of modern media.

At the heart of the conversation is a point made by a former diplomat: "The media is harsh on specific politicians but lenient regarding its own scandals." Social media users have responded with a wave of agreement, with comments like "Exactly" and "I couldn't agree more" flooding the platforms. In particular, the debate has highlighted a deep-seated suspicion that the media is no longer acting as a neutral journalistic body, but rather as "activists" attempting to realize their own political ideologies.

Many posts criticized the media's "lack of self-cleansing mechanisms," citing past reporting failures and their handling of specific incidents. The prevailing view among commenters is that the media's double standards—despite being in a position to verify and scrutinize information—are the "obvious reason" for the erosion of public trust.

Furthermore, the current reality of users turning to social media as their primary source of information instead of traditional "old media" was pointed out. Some harsh opinions stated, "There is no reason to pay for the personal opinions of activists rather than journalists." As newspapers and television lose their monopoly on information, their very raison d'être is being questioned.

With transparency and fairness in high demand, the public is closely watching to see how established media outlets will attempt to regain the nation's trust.

The context

In Japan, the term "Old Media" (comprising major national newspapers and television networks) has historically held immense influence over public opinion. However, in recent years, digital platforms and social media have exposed perceived biases and inconsistencies in traditional reporting. President Online, where the catalyst article was published, is a prominent business and opinion site known for hosting critical essays. This recent viral trend reflects a growing sentiment in Japanese society that traditional news organizations are failing to adapt to an era where information is decentralized and audiences are more critical of editorial intent.