By Ed Duffy

Everyone has their favorite news sources. One may even consider one's favorite news personalities to be friends or at least allies. That's all well and good, but keep in mind what it's all about before you pledge your loyalty to a network.

If a news outlet's primary content is about government and politics, whether they lean right, left or center, they need to get interviews. They need to be invited to pressers. They need to be on the press release list. They need the occasional scoop or leak or tip from someone on the inside. In short, they need to remain in the good graces of the power they want you to believe they speak truth to. They can be somewhat critical of course. It has to seem authentic, but if they go too far and make folks mad, they get cut off. All they need from you is your attention; good, bad or ugly; doesn't matter. Your peace, happiness, quality of life are not a factor.

That's not to say these are bad people. It's just the nature of the industry. Always take it with a grain of salt. Question everything.