Agent3155
Ask yourself some questions. Can you name five recent news stories that have came from mainstream media? Well I guess I should ask, if you even think of five? And then from those that you think of, what were the news stories about? A sport scandal? A Hollywood murder? The latest TSA News? The Bedbugs scare? If you answered yes to any of these topics, then you are helping make my point of mainstream media becoming a national issue, and more importantly an international issue.
I stumbled upon a quote from Robert McChesney, author of Rich Media, Poor Democracy, which says “After you’ve had somebody say to you for the thousandth time, ‘How come we never hear about these issues in the media,’ you start to realize that the media itself is an issue. “ And it’s this quote that got me thinking, there are so many issues out there that get put on the back burner in public discourse.
It is said that free and impartial media is a key pillar to a functioning democracy to help spread informed views and opinions. But what happens when the media can’t be trusted, or the information provided by them is actually bogus? In an article by Anup Shah called Mainstream Media, “International news coverage is declining which is an increasing concern at a time when the world is attempting to globalize.” I understand that in many countries, journalists face threats of censorship, beatings and even death for reporting issues that may be controversial. But in developed countries, this is hardly an issue. Yet more and more articles are being published today that avoid issues affecting our planet and those living on it.
On the flip side of things, mainstream media is there for the public, and if the public enjoys hearing news about entertainment and how to improve their lives then that’s what they will provide. Which leads me to think, why is the public so afraid of issues that concern the well being of others or might be controversial? This is a question that can’t be answered shortly. And as I have figured out in this Persuasion class, may have several argumentive answers.
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I think that the media to FOXX to CNN they all seem to strecth the truth and never give all the facts. Media I think also really hurts young teens self image and influences the way we should all look,act,a nds whats “cool”. When the media talks about Paris Hiltion getting a 3rd DUI and how she gets out of jail teaches us that drinking and driving is no big deal and nothing bad happens. Or when the media shows Brittney Spears “lady parts” it is showing that being trashy is ok? When does the media draw the line!?! And if you ever watch the news for current events its mostly on Hollywood and all about the stars, isnt that what MTV is for? I wish the media would talk about current events and state the FACTS not what will get more viewers