The other day I attended a luncheon meeting held by the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a delicious lunch and met many interesting people there.
The guest speaker for the luncheon was a representative from a local newspaper. He told us many interesting things. Then came the question and answer period at the end of his presentation.
A few asked questions, including myself. I was one of the last to ask.
I had a few questions, one of which pertained to why the media reports a lot of negative news and very little on the positive. He was an excellent speaker and his response did not answer my question. He did happen to mention at one point that the negative news does not sell papers. (Anyone believe that?)
My next question was why the media does not report news in the horse sports, excluding the Kentucky Derby. (I hear about this a lot from fellow horse people.) The speaker responded by saying that horse sports are a minority and they are unable to cover ALL sports. If that is true, then how come the billiard championships and poker finals are covered? They're a minority sport. Horse sports are certainly more popular than billliards and poker.
My last question was why aren't there stories written about the non-profit organizations that help the community, so that the public is informed that these organizations exist. (The Lehigh Valley Animal Response Team is one. Not many are aware that we exist.) Response: They are mentioned when a story (meaning an emergency) occurs. We need to inform the newspapers about the organization. Well, there have been times I submitted an article and it was never published. How will the public know we exist if the media does not inform them? Isn't that what the media is supposed to do? Inform the public? Non-profit organizations have limited funds. We try to get word out. It would be nice if the media helped out.
I feel the media have the wrong attitude. If they chenged their attitudes towards the type of reporting they do, maybe the public will change, too. Just a thought.
My favorite "news" show is Sunday Morning. It has longer feature "articles" that are interesting, and generally positive in nature.
Sometimes better to click the off button after the weather report on standard news programs.
Sara:
If you ask me, overall, the news is the same, only the names and locations are changed.
Brigita
Brigita, I agree! Great post and sounds like you had an interesting chat with the speaker...good for you for asking the tough questions!
Kristin:
I had to take the opportunity while I had it!
Brigita
Newspapers and the media suck....I try and stay away from both
BLR Guy:
So do I. But this was an oppportunity I couldn't resist.
Brigita