Why is the Media Uniquely Terrible at Covering the U.S. Postal Service?

The United States Postal System might not seem the most thrilling subject to cover, but the recent lack of media scrutiny on critical issues related to the Postal Service highlights a broader issue of biased and superficial reporting. While people now communicate predominantly through emails, texts, and social media, the traditional U.S. Postal System still plays a crucial role in society.

A Progressive Decline in Postal Volume

In the past, people used to write letters to one another, but with the advent of digital communication, the volume of physical mail has significantly decreased. According to a report from the National Archives and Records Administration, the percentage of the U.S. population using the Postal Service for research, work, and general communication has plummeted. Fashion trends in writing, such as cursive, remain a part of educational heritage rather than practical communication skills.

The Restructuring of the Postal System

Recognizing the declining volume of mail, the U.S. Postal Service embarked on a restructuring initiative to align its operations with the current demand. This involved rationalizing the network, reducing the number and size of postal outlets, consolidating vehicles, and optimizing mail drop boxes to fit the reduced workload. These changes were essential for operational efficiency. However, a politicized narrative emerged, undermining the rationality of these efforts.

The Irresponsible Coverage by the Media

When the Democrats, seeing an opportunity, promoted the idea of voting by mail to circumnavigate concerns about the 2020 election, the media, particularly the Democratic-leaning outlets, were quick to cover this as a scandal. The justification was to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the underlying motive was to advantage their candidate by potentially influencing the outcome. The immediate reaction was to accuse the Republican-controlled U.S. Postal Service (USPS) leadership of conspiring to undermine the election process.

A Scandal Fueled by Media and Political Manipulation

Under the guise of maintaining public trust, some media outlets and political opponents argued that the U.S. Postal Service needed to retire its mail-sorting machines, which would render the system inefficacious for large-scale mail operations. This narrative was amplified without critical evaluation, leading to a miscarriage of justice and public misinformation. The reality is that most Americans recognized the scam for what it was—a political ploy to exploit fears and create a resonance among sympathizers who might believe rural mail operations were under threat.

Conclusion

The media's role in this narrative is a prime example of how political agendas can be manipulated through skewed reporting. While the U.S. Postal Service's restructuring efforts were rational, the media’s portrayal of the situation as a scandal underscores a broader concern over journalistic integrity and the influence of political bias. The focus should be on factual reporting that informs the public without a predetermined agenda.

Keywords: US Postal Service, Media Bias, Election Interference