Question 2
2.)Newscasts are without a doubt a major source of money-making for television stations. I think there is a major negative impact with showing stories that would make a quick buck rather then stories that can help the public well being. You need a balance of both kinds of stories in my opinion because the stories that are eye catching keep people around. You need the stories of public well being even if they’re not that interesting because the public wants to know that the news cares about them.
Showing stories that would generate revenue over a story that would generate knowledge such as tips to reduce disease, can become a major problem. There is no doubt that stories of entertainment and crime flood newscasts these days. If you watch the news on any given day you’ll see that most stories are of entertainment or crime. The problem with this is that it’s becoming the norm. The “good” stories are appearing less and less because of the public being used to these revenue making stories.
From personal experience I see this happening almost every day with showing stories that would generate the largest revenue. Most recently the death of Heath Ledger is a shocking story. The day and days following it will still remain a major topic. But it takes away from the peoples normal lives of school, or 9-5 jobs. I don’t think it’s a huge problem but it’s definitely well on it’s way there. If the newscasts continue the way their going it will lose credibility and people will begin to watch the news not for what it should be which is helpful stories but for entertainment.
The media as a whole in today’s day and age seems very entertainment and celebrity driven. It can be seen as a problem but I also think with the explosion of reality shows and celebrity news the news has shifted from once a complete and professional news and only news related outlet to now an entertainment outlet for those to enjoy. If it completely shifts to what we see now on many occasions we could have very scarce sources for news for the general public to turn to. Many children probably don’t know what’s right and wrong in news if they even watch it. We need to set a standard and example for them so they don’t get sidetracked in the wrong way. It might not seem like a big deal but television is one of the most common ways we as a nation get media from the world to us. We need to keep that credible.
I think that is the major point that I’m trying to get across here. What will the news be like in 10 years? Will it even be news anymore? I think we need to take a step back a little bit to ensure the future doesn’t get completely overwhelmed like the public today is starting to. We need to know that when these stories come along, it isn’t real news. News should inform you and instill knowledge of important current events not focus on glitz and glamour of these other “stories” that won’t benefit you.
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