Why is the news on American television so negative and depressing 90% of the time ? Should be called Bad News

Answer 1

The news needs ratings to stay in business. They are competing to publish the most exciting stories, so when "breaking news" happens (fires, accidents, deaths, etc.) each station wants to make sure you hear it from them first. This leads them to repeat the bad news all day long so that people with different schedules will still turn to them to know what's happening.

Unfortunately, good news is just not as exciting. It lacks the elements of drama and surprise. When somebody gets engaged or wins concert tickets it's not interesting to us unless we know the people involved. Bad news, on the other hand, usually has a more profound effect on us emotionally. Who doesn't cry when they hear 5 children died overnight in a house fire?

Answer 2

WE would be bored to death to see all the happiness that is in this world. We do certainly see too many depressing things on the news. I think children should not watch the news for that reason. I watch to see the weather. It is unfortunate that there is so much suffering and pain in the news. I agree with you! Let's face it, there are alot of sick people in this world who do things that make me sick. BAD NEWS IS RIGHT ON THE MARK!

Answer 3

I hear this a lot. It's news and yeah bad things are happening everyday somewhere in the world.

Frankly I don't think we begin to understand just how rough it is for most people on the planet. If you have the luxury to be upset by TV news, then be grateful, we could be watching our children starve.

Answer 4

Many years ago Don Henley wrote a song called "Dirty Laundry" It pretty much tells the tale that "People love it when we lose, they love dirty laundry"

On a whole, people dont want to hear the good things they LOVE gossip.. its sad but its the way it is. Why is everyone talking and secretly hoping Britney Spears marriage fails?? what is it to them? yet every tabloid has these negative ideas and assumptions going on..Why? because it sells newspapers!! it's gossip and its negative and its juicy and therefore it sells.. same thing with the American news. I dont bother watching my 11 pm news anymore - it IS depressing. I'd rather go to bed thinking of the successful things i've accomplished in my day then hearing about murderers and rapists.

Read on for Don Henleys Lyrics:

"Dirty Laundry"

I make my living
Off the evening news
Just give me something
Something i can use
People love it when you lose
They love dirty laundry

Well i could have been an actor
But i wound up here
I just have to look good,
I don't have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry

(Chorus)
Kick 'em when they're up,
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em all around

Got the bubbleheaded bleach blonde
Comes on at five
She can tell you 'bout the plane crash
With a gleam in her eye
It's interesting when people die
Give us dirty laundry

Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know the boys in the newsroom
Got a running bet
Get the widow on the set
We need dirty laundry

You don't really need to find out
Whats going on
You don't really want to know just
How far it's gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up,
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up,
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're stiff,
Kick 'em all around

Dirty little secrets,
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers
In everybody's pie
Love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry

We can film the innuendo,
We can dance and sing.
When it's said and done,
We haven't told you a thing
We all know that crap is king,
Give us dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up,
Kick 'em when they're down

Answer 5

I think that people like to hear about the bad stuff that happens to other people because it makes them feel better about themselves. If all that was shown was happy, rich, lucky people, the people that don't have everything would get depressed and not watch it.

Answer 6

sure - that became a actual hoot - I loved it - pretty with the quick unexpected clipped one line ending. ROTFALMFAO. yet somewhat - in case you imagine about it, which could no longer "undesirable information." i'd like to entice close that i'd be going to heaven - yet no longer so quickly. I truly have too a lot unfinished company down right here that i want to finish first..

Answer 7

There are terrible events going on and they have to report them. Watch cartoons if you don't want to know about current events.

Answer 8

so people can think of how bad others have it and not deal with their own problems