The Media

[Broli]

I've been thinking a lot about how the media presents information. Through the methods of "revealing the truth" and whatnot, the media can sometimes present stories unethically. What do you guys think is too far? Does the media always focus on negative aspects of the world? Is the media biased?

I'd like to hear what you guys think.

[Warako]

During Katrina, I felt was when the media was the most unethical simply because of the stories that came up and how they told the stories of random images taken from aerial view.

I'd have to say that was too far, more specifically the whole bit when they raided stores and how they said the whites raided for essentials and the blacks raided for pleasure. Images shown showed both whites and blacks raiding for food and other things such as sneakers and what not. But it seemed the media only really focused on the black community though.

[Aqua]

Look at the thread in kame house I started about PR. My junior independent study is dealing with this almost directly.

Long story short, people report what they are paid to report. If you want to place blame (usually) you have to follow the power/ money tree to the top. I'm looking to intern with CNN in Atlanta this summer and I really hope it works out because I'd love to see how things work behind the scenes. Essentially, the media is exactly like politics. The individual person can do very little against the machine at this point.

Sure, an individual reporter, or even content manager can, on occassion, make his/ her own ethical decision for the betterment of all. But more often than not, those employed as either a politician or within the media have very little say in what gets perpetuated.

edit:

Originally posted by TAFKA CJ
During Katrina, I felt was when the media was the most unethical simply because of the stories that came up and how they told the stories of random images taken from aerial view.

I'd have to say that was too far, more specifically the whole bit when they raided stores and how they said the whites raided for essentials and the blacks raided for pleasure. Images shown showed both whites and blacks raiding for food and other things such as sneakers and what not. But it seemed the media only really focused on the black community though.

that's rediculously out of context. I strongly suggest you do a bit more research. Our country has a strong... overwhelmingly strong tendancy to sensationalize the level to which minorities are victimized. You have to look at everything on a case by case basis. Why were black americans all over the news after Katrina? Have you seen the schematics of New Orleans? Further, did you know that those that stayed behind were either unaware of the danger or unable to purchase a way out of the city? This further siphoned the population so that what you had was an already mostly black populace filtered down to (on average) the bulk of the city's lower incomed populace. It isn't so much the media's fault for the pictures that were taken. It's not like they went and highered people to act out a scene to portray minorities in a specific light. Pictures were taken of what was actually happening. In my mind, however, it was the commentary that followed the pictures that deserves critique. Instead of evaluating, as I have, why it is a group of black people are raiding a store, the news simply showed the image and allowed people to reach their own, ill-informed, conclusions. That, I would agree, is irresponsible.

edit 2: As a side note, the homeless rate in this country is 50% white, 50% other. How many of you knew that? O_o Little something I learned in a seminar in Philly regarding homelessness.

[Aero]

Originally posted by Broli
I've been thinking a lot about how the media presents information. Through the methods of "revealing the truth" and whatnot, the media can sometimes present stories unethically. What do you guys think is too far? Does the media always focus on negative aspects of the world? Is the media biased?

I'd like to hear what you guys think.

They blow things out of proportions. Also, they tend to tell one side of the story and not the other.


ex. The news seems to make it seem like American soldiers are constantly dying. It isn't like that. Yeah, some soldiers die, but it isn't as bad as the media makes it seem.

[Grandpa Gohan]

Bottom line:

Conflict and stories of bad deeds sell. Sure you hear about some light hearted stories, chances are however that those are few and far inbetween. the 2 minutes before they end their show, just after the weather, ect ect.

Also, Gokua, in the past 2-3 weeks Minnesota's flags have been at half staff twice because one of our soldiers have died. I would say that's a pretty regular occurance for only fighting insergents(sp). Though I'll agree with you this much, they do blow it our of proportion.

[Raditzu]

You guys gotta remember that all forms of media are still forms of business. The straight truth doesn't always sell.

[Tobias]

What Rad says about sums it up. When I watch the news I have to keep reminding myself who I'm listening to, and to look at each story objectively.

[Belle Hibiki]

Agreed. It's a business. I think Jon Stewart puts it best:

"A free and independent press is essential to the health of a functioning democracy. It serves to inform the voting public on matters relevant to its well-being. Why they've stopped doing that is a mystery. I mean, 300 camera crews outside a courthouse to see what Kobe Bryant is wearing when the judge sets his hearing date, while false information used to send our country to war goes unchecked? What the fuck happened?"