Is it just me, or is a huge segment of our population growing increasingly frustrated by the mega doses of negative political campaigning in print, broadcast and online media? It’s expected and even necessary that we hear different points of view regarding vital issues and candidates for office. But almost everywhere I go these days, people are complaining (and I often agree) that we’re seeing too much coverage of petty, below-the-belt jabs between political adversaries. These often unfounded jabs assault our senses while wasting valuable space and air-time that would be better spent highlighting worthy causes with life-changing value.
Having worked in news for many years, I can tell you that reporters are often just as sick of delivering toxic content as we are of receiving it. But their job is to present what sells. Media outlets care very deeply about their ratings and circulation–the higher the numbers, the more money they make. So you can bet that if they’re repeatedly running a certain type of story, it’s because a sizable portion of the available audience seems to have an appetite for it.
We who do not share this appetite often forget that we have the collective power to make an impact on what makes news and what doesn’t. When we perceive that an outlet is guilty of pervasive sensationalism in reporting, it is important that we let that outlet know. We can do so in ways that count. First, simply tune out when offended by what we see and hear.
Even more importantly, if we really want to make a difference, we must become active consumers of news. In other words, it’s not just enough to complain to each other. Approach the people who have the power to make changes. Don’t like what you see and hear? Pick up your phone, send an email or write a letter to the editor expressing your concerns. The more viewers, readers and listeners weigh in on their likes and dislikes, the greater chance their voices will be heard. And the media organizations that respond to those concerns, may well find themselves attracting a larger audience.
