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The Brampton Guardian
Media consumers the true editors of the news
Sunday June 29 2008
By Roger Belgrave, Staff Writer
By Roger Belgrave
 
Critics often accuse media of only reporting or focusing on negative news.
While, the definition of negative can sometimes be subjective, the critics are only half right on this one.
It would be nice to be able to rush to the defence of my profession, but journalists deal in facts. The reality is bad news too often dominates front pages and broadcast headlines.
We cover plenty of stories that can be characterized as positive— just as much or more than the misfortune and horror that at some point touches all lives.
Callers to the newsroom seeking coverage almost always try to sell their story as a welcome departure from the usual negative news on our pages. If I feel up to yet another discussion on the subject, I make note of the many positive articles written and published in every issue. But I've grown weary of repeating myself.
Sometimes reality is perception and to be honest, the media does not always help itself in dispelling skewed perception.
Even in The Guardian, it is not an absence or lack of good news stories that feeds the public's misconception media has a distaste for the palatable. Like most media outlets, it is the manner in which news is often presented for consumption.
News producers and editors routinely take a marketing approach to delivering news. In a competitive industry where the public has an increasing number of news sources to choose from, grabbing the attention of consumers has become an important factor in determining what stories get front page placement or leads broadcasts.
The decision makers at media outlets know what even the most vocal critics refuse to admit about themselves.
The truth is the same people that scold media for dwelling on the dark side of life are the same people that slow down to gawk while driving pass an accident on the roadway.
Certain news sells better than others. It is only human nature to be curious about the underbelly of society, moved by the misfortune of others, outraged by man's inhumanity to man or intrigued by the distinctly different lives led by others.
More "mundane" good news stories are frequently relegated to back pages or the end of newscasts so reports ensure human nature is satisfied and an audience is secured.
Good news is there for people who really want it and are looking for it. Sadly, however, even those who find it have a tendency to remember the more shocking headlines than the "feel good" reports on back shelves.
Blame definitely lies with the editors and producers who place high value on balanced stories that present an accurate picture of issues. They lack equal enthusiasm when it comes to demonstrating the same journalistic attention and integrity in the way news is showcased.
Stories must be packaged in a way that reflects both the good and bad occurring in communities.
However, blame has to be shared by media consumers. The industry continues to supply news in the manner consumers appear to demand.
The public has to demand a more balanced portrayal of their community and world or the motivation to change does not exist in media offices.
Editors, producers, news agencies and media outlets have to be held accountable for the way stories are presented.
Readers, listeners and watchers hold the true power in determining how their news is served up.
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