It frightens me that as I grow older, the idea that I could trust absolutely institutions such as the BBC and most national newspapers, is less well founded. Now, alas, it seems that ‘social media’ has bulldozed its way into the mainstream definitions of truth.

I get impatient with the unnecessarily aggressive style of political interview where arguments are so perfunctory that aggression seems to win the point. He who shouts last, shouts loudest, seems the order of the day.

I am not for one moment saying that politicians and others should be allowed to get away with shoddy arguments. However I would like to see political correspondents and others allow their prey to develop decent arguments without jumping down their throats half way through their responses.

Listening seems almost a lost art. For example, the present pandemic is a constantly moving phenomenon, and those in power at all levels are doing their best to respond effectively. Yes, I agree they’ve made mistakes, but who would not. I am fed up with broadcasters leaping on past errors with such relish, whether it be an action recommended too early or too late.

We are living through a uniquely difficult time where two things count more than ever. The truth and tolerance. Baloney theories on social media are needed like a hole in the collective head. To help us nurture truth and tolerance we need the mainstream media to restore our faith with care and respect for the listener.

Media king pins, seem to have been captured by the allure of celebrity, and in so doing forgotten their pursuit of truth.

It is also clear to me that the mainstream social media is focussed on money rather than truth. Celebrity and materialism sum up what drives our media today. Neither it seems to me, spells a particularly ennobled future.