What were once considered credible outlets for “news” and “information”, have all more or less succumbed to the ephemeral tastes and attention spans of (6) second Twitter followers and Instagramers. It was only a matter of time before news execs realized that information alone could not placate the mob of 24/7 instant gratification seekers or the ad execs looking to sell them products.
The formerly clear lines of distinction between news reports and public opinions, have all but eroded to leave not much more than a form of empty audio visual calories consumed by knowledge starved individuals. It seems very nearly impossible now, to hear or read news stories devoid of someone’s unapologetic opinion.
There is a remnant however, those who still rely on a more substantive and cerebral menu selection for their lowdown. So yes, it is still possible to sift through the rubble for newsworthy press, but it assumes one can distinguish and rightly the more classical styles revered by traditional press communities.
News vs Editorials
It’s hard to believe that in the “age of information”, we even need to ask for a definition of what news and editorials are but according to a report released in June 2019 by the Media Insight Project, nearly 30% of respondents didn’t know the difference between editorial pieces and news stories. This was roughly equivalent to the number of people who did not understand the role differences between columnists and reporters.
Anyone who appreciates a compelling or well written story, fact or otherwise, should be discouraged by these statistics. But alas, the “statistics” are only as meaningful as the motives behind their gathering and publication. And herein lies the problem – The competition for eyes on a page combined with budgets from advertisers all looking to generate “buzz” among growing online competition has paved the way for journalism integrity being sacrificed upon the alter of commerce.
Just because it happened to you, doesn’t mean it’s interesting ~ Dennis Hopper
What News Is
The weather forecast has been a staple of American news broadcasting for generations and it’s an easy draw for program directors and advertisers. Naturally, if a community can be expecting adverse weather events then they want to know about this. The factors that most determine degrees of newsworthiness here are :
- Factual accuracy regarding the extremity of forecast conditions (hurricanes get plenty of coverage)
- How much value the report creates for the local reader or viewer (hurricanes don’t mean much to people living in Iowa)
- Interesting to the reader or viewer
Naturally, there aren’t too many ways to “spice up” the average news weather report so it’s no surprise that program directors have historically employed charismatic and shapely figures to look good while rattling off the teleprompter.
After all, there’s not too much the media can do to botch up weather reporting besides being consistently wrong. Public trust in information sources is challenged if there’s an obvious disconnect between what people are being told and what they’re personally observing or hearing from other trusted sources.
News, like weather reporting, should be simple, straight to the point and factually accurate . . but, the trend towards hyperbole has been on a clear rise as sponsors pressure media outlets to grab viewers who may be more naturally drawn to yoga pants and squat routines on Instagram.
What Editorials Are
An editorial is an opinion piece that represents the consensus of the news or press organization and it’s endorsement of the individual writer or the subject matter and tone of that piece. Historically, editorials were unsigned by authors and publishers but there’s been a general push towards lifting that veil of anonymity.
It’s easy to see where an editorial twist may create more “sizzle” for the consumer especially in the face of dwindling numbers. Given the rise in popularity of internet personalities and the general showmanship of the viral video millennial generation, there’s naturally not much room to up the game in the newsroom or on the press floor. The natural progression is to inject more personality, opinion and commentary infused rhetoric punctuated by uncertain details of what may or may not be happening in the world.
In summary, the challenges of sifting through the media chatter and cross talk to find newsworthy reels are ever increasing. The only solution is for readers to learn the distinction between basic reporting of information versus reaction, speculation and sentiment on behalf of those who report.
Note
UP2PR upholds the longer standing tradition of respecting the privacy of authors and even ghost writers who may be at risk due to the disclosing of information which the public has a right to know about.
Additionally, we may not agree with particular statements or even entire editorials, but if the majority agrees that the editorial holds value for readers, then it runs.