I know people who habitually watch the nightly news believing that this will make them informed citizens. The problem is, most of what passes for news on television isn't news. It's merely a constant rehash of the same stories, over and over.

I'm sorry that there's drug infestation in society, that too many teenagers get pregnant, and that there are homeless people roaming many cities. Unless you're going to take action on any of this stuff, however, watching another report about it doesn't count toward your status as an informed citizen. So, the time you spend watching it is largely wasted.

I'm not saying you shouldn't watch any news. Rather, you need to understand the context in which news is presented. News shows are designed to attract viewers so sponsors can sell things, the same as any other show; they heighten the emphasis on some stories and completely ignore others. As long as you understand the limitations of TV news, watch away. Don't turn off your brain when the news comes on. And remember that there are probably many more productive ways you could be spending that time.