media sensationalise but they dont sensitise.do u agree with this?

Answer 1

To a degree. It almost seems like nobody cares about "normal" murder any more. If the body wasn't decapitated, who cares?

Unless, of course, your friend or family was the victim.

Answer 2

Yes and no.
There are definitely media outlets that sensationalize news; see CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Network. They'll go out and find whatever they can to boost ratings, and then spin it into propaganda for their bias.

Local news can be pretty bad too. According to State of the Media, an independent annual evaluation, these outlets often use a hook and hold approach - start with crime and other emergency stories before transitioning to and ending with soft news. Entertainment and shamless plugs (American Idol updates on Fox) are also involved. This leaves very little time for real news.

As far as sensitizing, or desensitizing, stories, I don't think the media is as involved in that process in America as you're blaming them for. As a reporter, I've been assigned many articles about deaths and crime. At times I have to remind myself that this is about real people, but I also make a point to talk to family and friends when I can, as well as police. If you look, you'll also notice that the deaths, shootings and other major crimes will make the front page over minor crimes.

If you really want to assign blame, I'd point to the American public and the culture that's been created. Violence, rampant drug use and an over emphasis on sex have been instilled in our music, movies, tv shows, video games, etc. The public becomes desensitized from all of these other media sources, and may not pay much attention to a murder in the papers.