Free media cannot be free

The article analyzes the crisis faced by mainstream media (MSM) due to the rise of social media (SM), highlighting SM's dual role in democratizing information while also fostering misinformation and chaos. It argues that MSM's imitation of SM tactics and its broken advertisement-driven business model undermine its professionalism and independence, leading to governance crises and reduced public trust. The author advocates for a user-pays business model for MSM to restore its credibility, independence, and crucial role in ensuring social stability and good governance, emphasizing that truly "free" media requires financial independence from both state and corporate influence.