Pondering what makes "news," news...
This is going to be my second shot at CNN in as many weeks, but my criticism may as well be directed to news networks in general. CNN just happens to be the station of choice at my gym. I should also say this is as much a request for more input as it is a rant. Anyway, to cut to the chase, I watched CNN for about an hour and a half this evening (Paula Zahn was on) and I didn't get anything during that hour that to me amounted to "news." All I got was this story on some courthouse shootings in Atlanta and Michael Jackson's trial. To their credit maybe there was some two minute spot on how the markets did today.
Not to be insensitive to the families of the shooting victims, but why is this news? Why does the average American care? Should they care? In all fairness millions of people are dying every day, they don't get air time on CNN. Maybe you could say that the lack of security in the Atlanta courtroom was terrible, and attention needs to be paid to the situation so our judges are kept safe. No doubt this is important, but I don't hear much about this issue amongst all the "news" about how the hostage believed in Jesus, and convinced the shooter into surrendering.
As for the king of pop, I can't think of a single reason why the average American would give a damn about him! Why is his alleged child molestation adventures news? If you ask me, its pure sensationalism, not news. Has CNN become the television version of the National Enquirer tabloid; entertainment disguised as news? Or am I just missing something here?
I guess I'm left wondering what makes "news" news. According to the dictionary, its defined as
In fact, if I had it my way, there would only be news that affected me on television. The more I think about it, it seems to me that its not what's on the above list that bothers me, but rather in what proportion attention is given to each of the items on that list. I think "Interesting People or Events" that have no affect on my life other than to amuse me should be given much less attention to "Something Useful," which might.
In the end, I guess they show what they think people will watch. That way their ratings go up and advertisers pay to advertise on their news channel. Isn't that what its about? Serious journalism on one hand has to balance with money matters on the other. Its too bad they are in conflict, but I guess in a capitalistic society we vote with our dollars, and we get what we vote for. Enough people must be interested in Michael Jackson or shootings in Atlanta to focus CNN's attention upon it. That's just disappointing! In our 24 hour news cycle, maybe there isn't enough news to go around.
For those of you that would rather watch real news, fear not. There are a few places left for you to get Michael Jackson free news. Try News Hour with Jim Lehrer or BBC World News, but I make no promises.
Not to be insensitive to the families of the shooting victims, but why is this news? Why does the average American care? Should they care? In all fairness millions of people are dying every day, they don't get air time on CNN. Maybe you could say that the lack of security in the Atlanta courtroom was terrible, and attention needs to be paid to the situation so our judges are kept safe. No doubt this is important, but I don't hear much about this issue amongst all the "news" about how the hostage believed in Jesus, and convinced the shooter into surrendering.
Why is this guy(?!) news?
As for the king of pop, I can't think of a single reason why the average American would give a damn about him! Why is his alleged child molestation adventures news? If you ask me, its pure sensationalism, not news. Has CNN become the television version of the National Enquirer tabloid; entertainment disguised as news? Or am I just missing something here?
I guess I'm left wondering what makes "news" news. According to the dictionary, its defined as
1 a : a report of recent events b : previously unknown information (I've got news for you)But, this seems pretty circular. If its on the news, then its news? So, some producer at CNN gets to decide what "news" is? What does newsworthy mean? Now the dictionary says its "interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting." So here is a general take on what makes something newsworthy.
2 a : material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast b : matter that is newsworthy."
- Conflict: Basic good drama. Big guy vs. Little guy news is very popular.
- Prominence: Involves well-known people and/or business. (Example: Is a prominent member of the community joining your chapter?)
- Impact: How many people does the news affect? (Example: Is a CSI member involved in construction of a large building that affects many people, like a new office complex or shopping mall?)
- Timeliness: The news is happening right now; its current.
- Surprise: A departure from the norm. Something that doesnt happen every day.
- Interesting People or Events: Situations that are tragic, humorous, mysterious or wacky.
- Something New: Firsts buildings, projects, people. Example: Is a CSI member working on a well known new building in town?
- Trends: Surveys, changes, what will be the news next week.
- Something Useful: Answers the How will this affect my life? question. Example: Has a local member been instrumental in cutting-edge or evolutionary construction technology that results in safer or more energy-efficient buildings?
- Evidence, Solid Facts: Prominent Research
- Experts: Doctors, scientists, engineers, professors.Example: Can any of your members provide information to reporters on security upgrades at prominent local building?
In fact, if I had it my way, there would only be news that affected me on television. The more I think about it, it seems to me that its not what's on the above list that bothers me, but rather in what proportion attention is given to each of the items on that list. I think "Interesting People or Events" that have no affect on my life other than to amuse me should be given much less attention to "Something Useful," which might.
In the end, I guess they show what they think people will watch. That way their ratings go up and advertisers pay to advertise on their news channel. Isn't that what its about? Serious journalism on one hand has to balance with money matters on the other. Its too bad they are in conflict, but I guess in a capitalistic society we vote with our dollars, and we get what we vote for. Enough people must be interested in Michael Jackson or shootings in Atlanta to focus CNN's attention upon it. That's just disappointing! In our 24 hour news cycle, maybe there isn't enough news to go around.
For those of you that would rather watch real news, fear not. There are a few places left for you to get Michael Jackson free news. Try News Hour with Jim Lehrer or BBC World News, but I make no promises.
posted by senner007 @ 11:39 PM
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