Media coverage is a controversial topic in contemporary society. Racial issues, scandals, and celebrity updates plague television screens on a daily basis. These reports are oftentimes the only way or single source for keeping up with current stories. Having accurate and unbiased sources are the bright line for what makes great news. Although, some critique these outlets of only showcasing stories that grab in the ratings, lack truth, or just sensationalize the truth. Patrick Cockburn, a renown journalist, is one of the few who work in the media who try to expose the truth about flawed coverage, specially with environment reporting. Sensationalism, as defined by the dictionary is, “(especially in journalism) the use of exciting or shocking
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For instance, a single environmental story has the power to create a national frenzy and work up millions of people. In a recent story, the media covered a rural town called Porterville, California. In that story it was claimed that the entire city was devastated and everyone was vastly affected. In reality, of the approximate 60, 000 people living there, less than 500 were affected. The media showed children crying, people praying, dogs panting for water, and people showering with buckets. If that wasn’t enough, they showed a Latina woman who compared her living conditions to that of when she left Mexico. Although sad for few, the people affected made up less than 1% of population and received national media attention. This was an obvious ploy to attract the largely growing Latino population in the central valley to follow their reports. However, we do live in society that promotes freedom of press, which is why these stories often make it to the masses. The tone of the report is a key indication on how the public will react. In the case of Porterville, the report was centered around an apocalyptic tone. The broadcast and newspapers were intended to instill fear in the minds of those in California to be more water conscious. Due to the news coverage, some stopped abusing the water in fear that their lives will inevitably become like those living in Porterville. Most importantly, …show more content…
If their evidence is biased, there is no reason for the report not to be in the mind of the media. When an expert writes up something that is interesting, it makes a story easier to write and sell to the press. Even other scientists can benefit from the exaggeration of the writings of other professionals. One could discredit something that was exaggerated in the writings. Proving something wrong or presenting an alternative hypothesis is what most scientists aim to do. Oftentimes, these sensationalized reports will also lead to expert to gain some sort of public recognition. Positive media representation could also help an expert to receive some reward in their field, such as
For instance, a single environmental story has the power to create a national frenzy and work up millions of people. In a recent story, the media covered a rural town called Porterville, California. In that story it was claimed that the entire city was devastated and everyone was vastly affected. In reality, of the approximate 60, 000 people living there, less than 500 were affected. The media showed children crying, people praying, dogs panting for water, and people showering with buckets. If that wasn’t enough, they showed a Latina woman who compared her living conditions to that of when she left Mexico. Although sad for few, the people affected made up less than 1% of population and received national media attention. This was an obvious ploy to attract the largely growing Latino population in the central valley to follow their reports. However, we do live in society that promotes freedom of press, which is why these stories often make it to the masses. The tone of the report is a key indication on how the public will react. In the case of Porterville, the report was centered around an apocalyptic tone. The broadcast and newspapers were intended to instill fear in the minds of those in California to be more water conscious. Due to the news coverage, some stopped abusing the water in fear that their lives will inevitably become like those living in Porterville. Most importantly, …show more content…
If their evidence is biased, there is no reason for the report not to be in the mind of the media. When an expert writes up something that is interesting, it makes a story easier to write and sell to the press. Even other scientists can benefit from the exaggeration of the writings of other professionals. One could discredit something that was exaggerated in the writings. Proving something wrong or presenting an alternative hypothesis is what most scientists aim to do. Oftentimes, these sensationalized reports will also lead to expert to gain some sort of public recognition. Positive media representation could also help an expert to receive some reward in their field, such as