Reader edit: what 2017 needs is media accountability

And that can only happen if they are constantly reminded of the difference between what they predicted and what actually happened If you followed politics in 2016 closely, you find

journalists and political commentators were very pessimistic. If you listened and took their words literally, then the world was always a day away from ending. I don’t remember the last

positive story I read. On the other hand, columnists are very clear about the which side of the debate they will be taking. One tends to be biased in politics but not many journalists are

willing to switch sides even when provided with contrary evidence. We need open-mindedness and not just blind loyalty to a political ideology. in any part of the news world, it is hard to

find views, which take into account all sides of the story. And then we wonder why there is such widespread distrust in those who make a career out of news. Journalists in 2016 are like  the

bankers of 2008. Both made disastrous bets and predictions on behalf of others; most were let-off without being held accountable for their counsel; their sense of entitlement and arrogance

is unmatched in comparison; and both remain unapologetic for their professional failures. But we are likely to forgive and forget about their blunders and move on to obediently listening to

more apocalyptic prophecies by our prominent commentators and columnists. We shouldn’t. Like every other profession, we need some accountability from those who think they know better. And

that can only happen if they are constantly reminded of the difference between what they predicted and what actually happened.