If you have yet to see Jon Stewart's interview on CNN's Crossfire, I suggest you stop reading this right now and find a copy of the clip. I urge this in all honesty. Not only was the interview hysterical, but I strongly believe Stewart made a valuable point in his critique of the show, and in truth, of all news programs. Stewart's gripe with American news sources is that they are failing at their jobs-they are failing to provide us with the news.Undoubtedly, we are given a lot of entertainment. Hours of comedy seep out of television screens under the guise of legitimate news. Stewart's point was that the media is not holding up its end of the bargain, failing to present us with the truth. I contend that the balance swings both ways-we, the audience, are not doing our part to demand the truth.

It's very easy to look at today's news and critique its lack of veracity, its biases and its generally poor reporting. But it's much harder to look at ourselves and realize that we don't really care for anything different. The media produce what sells. And the truth doesn't always attract the biggest crowds. Shocking conflict sells; obscene controversy sells; Jerry Springer, Temptation Island, and the tabloids sell.

I second Stewart's call for a media facelift, as change is a necessity at this point. But from where will this change come? The only force to which the media will truly respond is the consumer. So Stewart can go on as many shows as he wants, denouncing as many false gods as are willing to sit still, but it won't make a difference until the public decides to care.

And when you look for the root of the problem-really dig around and try to uncover the source-I think you'll find it's apathy. People just don't give a damn. We've gotten to the point where we are content to be acted upon. We're happy not knowing, choosing instead the path of least resistance, a path of passivity. Why don't we know what's happening in the world? Not because the media spin our news, but because we can't even be bothered to listen.

Our generation is straying further away from what I consider to be a basic obligation as a sentient-being on Planet Earth: Know your world. There are major conflicts brewing, with implications that will last for as long as we will be alive, and, in all likelihood, for generations to come. To not care-to not be able to take five minutes a day to browse the Web or to glance at a television-is not right.

Particularly in light of today's technology, the ability to remain in the loop is easier than ever. I'm not saying you need to become a guru on world events, know all the laws Congress is debating or be able to prattle off the names of global leaders. But to not even realize tomorrow's history books will be written about today's events is pathetic. Wake up, open your eyes, and acknowledge that the world is turning.

One of the benefits of this heated presidential race is that individuals are paying more attention to current events. People who never thought about Medicare, gay rights or foreign intervention are now tuning in to reality. But this problem extends beyond the fight for commander-in-chief-Nov. 2 will come and go. The question is: Can we channel this momentum into helping to raise a better, more educated populace? I not only believe we can, but that we must.

Today's media need to change. They need to heighten their standards and supply us with the best information out there. They need to trust us to make up our own minds, free of distracting prejudices and slanted claims.

But we need to show the media that we won't settle for anything else. We must resume our roles as informed members of society-people capable and willing to demand answers and, when necessary, demand change. This plea is not a hinting suggestion or vague request. I am calling for immediate, significant action. If you liked what Stewart said, do your part to actualize change. Educate yourself.