Is it because emotion sells better than facts?
2006-07-23 12:05:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
The media gets its money from advertisers. Advertisers expect their products to be shown in a large amount of homes so they put their money into shows/news that have the largest audience. If the audience quit watching, the news would change it's coverage to get them back. Also, advertisers don't necessarily want the most intelligent people viewing their garbage so why should the news media attract them?
2006-07-23 12:12:58 · answer #1 · answered by sparkletina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We like to think of the news media as altruistic -- with a focus on presenting news and information that we need to know, and giving us an in-depth understanding of what is going on locally or globally.
At the same time, we recognize that the entertainment media -- whether it is television, print or radio, is audience-driven. If the audience drops, the sponsors vanish, and the program, or the feature, follows suit.
The sad truth is that news media is just as audience-driven and sponsor-driven as the entertainment media. The sponsors don't have any direct control over what is shown or reported in the news, but the program director or managing editor has to have a finger on the public pulse and pick up on what draws audience interest.
That's why the 'splashy' but un-important issues get the most attention. It's unfortunate that it has to be that way. Even PBS, which is partially sponsored by public memberships, is still largely funded by corporate and foundation sponsors, so even they must pander to the 'entertainment' side of the news.
2006-07-23 12:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I disagree with you. The media will report on anything controversial, like this Israeli war thing. The media loves to fan the flames and is really trying to make the news, not report it.
Just because a story is not interesting to you (your highness) doesnt mean its splashy or un-important. (your majesty).
2006-07-23 12:16:19 · answer #3 · answered by jack f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most of the media is favoring the GOP, to help cover up Bush's Boo-Boos.
They worry about Gay Marriage, Stem Cells, and Global Warming when in reality people are dying NOW over wars and crap.
2006-07-23 12:09:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sells their product. They wouldn't be able to stay in biz if people didn't read or listen to their reporting, so they report on what inflames people to pay attention to what they are saying.
Would you watch the news if all they reported on were Church dinners and Boy Scout outings? But to hear the latest news on someone being beheaded.. well damnit... thats NEWS
2006-07-23 12:09:31 · answer #5 · answered by InnerCircle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The news media are capitalist businesses, and their main job is to make money for their stockholders. They will do anything that makes more money. Don't kid yourself.
2006-07-23 12:11:54 · answer #6 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got it!!!!! And don't always believe everything you read in the newspapers! They take what you say and turn it around to make it sound sensational or they give credit to officials who don't deserve it.
2006-07-23 12:11:02 · answer #7 · answered by sam04m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like packing a box: You have to fill it with junk to fill in the empty spaces.
2006-07-25 15:20:51 · answer #8 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Magicians call it misdirection. It's how they can keep people from noticing that they are being ...taken advantage of.
2006-07-23 12:11:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ratings and money
2006-07-23 12:09:20 · answer #10 · answered by kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋