zlacker

> I find it extremely jarring how many reputable western media outlets immediately jumped to the conclusion that Russia did it even though that made zero sense - but absolutely refused to even consider the possibility that the US or another western state could have done it.

One simple hypothesis would be that it is only an illusion that western media outlets are independent from their governments.

>>alchem+(OP)
There's been many instances of western media outlets being hugely critical of the US gov't.

>>alchem+(OP)
A german book by Precht/Welzer argues it's the other way.

The media became a power by itsself and it's the media which influences the government.

And they analyze how the media synchronized itself on certain topics (especially Ukraine war).

https://www.fischerverlage.de/buch/richard-david-precht-hara...

>>hackan+uL1
That would match my impression in Germany on issues about involvement in the war. Usually, the government is divided, with FDP and Greens taking a hawkish position, arguing for strong support of Ukraine including weapons and not making any concessions to Russia; while SPD and the chancellor are cautious to the point of dragging their feet.

Meanwhile the press is not similarly divided but usually follows the hawkish position. So whatever opinion they are promoting, it's evidently not the government's.