Why You Need to Stop Blaming the Media
- Tiffany Cooke
- Mar 11, 2020
- 3 min read
I am enrolled in four different journalism classes this semester. Though only one of them is specially designed to cover the ethics of journalism, this is a heavy topic discussed in every single class, every day. It is frustrating to know that I dedicate my education to and spend most of my professional conversations discussing how journalists can be better and how to do things right, just to see the rest of the world react with contempt.
Those working in the media are not the "bad guys". They are not trying to scare you. They are not making up stories just to get attention. They are not trying to push their own political agenda. They do not want you to suffer.
I am not ignorant. I know that fake news does exists and that not all journalists have pure intentions. However, the media as a whole is not to blame. The media does not exist for publicity, but for public information. The world would not succeed without journalists and this access to information. I firmly believe this. After all, many complain about the media, yet they continue to read it.
If you have been misinformed by the media, I am sorry. I assure you, though, that that's the last thing journalists want. Also, I would like to point out that journalists are humans, too. Mistakes do happen. This is why ethics are so strongly stressed in my classes. We don't want to make mistakes.
I'm not going to get into the politics of the coronavirus, but I do feel inclined to address this in terms of media coverage. The news media is receiving a lot of back lash for the intense coverage of the situation. So, here's the thing. These are the factors that a story should have to be considered news worthy:
1. Timeliness - immediate, current information. Information that has a sense of urgency
2. Proximity - local information that affects people in the community in one way or another
3. Conflict/Controversy - Problems and differences within our country
4. Human interest - Stories that matter to the public
5. Relevance - Information that is important for decision-making
A story doesn't need to have all of these factors to be published, just some. The coronavirus situation has all of these news elements. The media should be covering it. If you don't think the coronavirus is a big deal, good for you. That doesn't mean the media should ignore it. They are covering it to provide necessary facts and public information. Imagine the crisis that would ensue if people had absolutely no idea what was going on. I do understand that the coverage is heavy, but the discussions around the virus are heavy. The media is just trying to meet the public's need.
The coronavirus coverage is not intended to cause mass fear. It's quite the opposite actually. Don't believe me? Read this one:
This article is nothing but facts and information. It actually advises you to NOT be afraid and panic. Stop blaming the media. Oh, and by the way, the news media gets their information about the coronavirus directly from scientists. I don't know where the speculation came from that the media is making up stories, not sharing information, but its just not true.
If you're finding that the news you consume seems biased, with an agenda, maybe you should consider switching sources. There's a great resource (below) that shows which sources are the least biased and are focused strictly on fact reporting. It's your duty to be educated about what you read.
If you don't believe what you read, fact check it. Compare sources. If you think those in the media are the reason that our country is suffering, think again. Our purpose is to help. To inform. To prepare.
My heart sinks a little more every time I see another post shaming the media for doing their job. Please stop blaming the journalists. Please appreciate your right to being informed. Learn how to consume news correctly.
I did not know when I choose a career in journalism that I would be choosing one of the most controversial careers in America. But I'm proud of it. And I'm sick of taking hate for it.
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