American Media is a vital ingredient for a healthy democracy. However, the current state of modern media has become toxic. News content now often seeks to persuade, while editorial content often seeks to divide. Instead of championing balanced coverage of different points of view, we have reverted to earlier forms of partisan publications, rewarding outrage over outcomes, entertainment over excellence, and destruction over dignity.  The American people have had enough. Media Roundtable is an alliance of leaders in Media, Marketing, and the Business community coming together to replace our current vicious cycle with a virtuous one. Instead of waiting for positive change and accountability to be initiated by government involvement, or pressure from third parties, we will make efforts to get our own houses in order, for the sake of the public whom we serve. Each participant will seek to live up to our stated values in their own way and with their best intentions and efforts.

Advertisers, Marketers, and Media seek to give preference in exposure and ad dollars toward content that exhibits the following values: 

Clarity: A clear distinction between News and Opinion Content

Truth: News sources that show non-partisan third-party validation of fact reporting with a preference toward original fact reporting

Fairness: News sources that show non-partisan, third-party validation of effort to provide balanced coverage of divergent points of view and take on a non-partisan posture as a respectful adversary in holding people in power to account

Respect: Opinion sources that avoid name-calling, ad hominem attacks, or vilification of individuals or groups who are not acting in violation of the law, in favor of listening and on-topic argumentation based on the merits of ideas

De-Escalation: Sources and platforms that avoid promotion and exploitation of divisive figures and ideas for the sake of increased reach and engagement

Tolerance: All sources that seek to promote earnest efforts for collaboration, bargaining,  and tolerance between parties with conflicting objectives and views

Diversity of opinion is one of America’s greatest strengths. We will increase that strength by improving the way we treat the people who hold these differences. A collective effort between leaders in Media, Marketing, and Corporations is essential to produce meaningful change. We hereby commit to a sincere effort to advance these beliefs for the benefit of our companies, our communities, and our country.

Sign the Pledge

By signing the pledge you agree to and affirm this pledge as a sole individual and not in or under the representation of your employer, any institutions, or organizations that you may or may not be related to or have a nexus with in a professional or personal capacity.

The views and opinions expressed in your affirmation of this pledge are your own personal views and do not or may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of said employer, institutions, or organizations’.

Any views or opinions that result from affirming this pledge, whether expressly or by implication, are not intended to malign or harm any entity, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.