As a society, we have been sucked into the habit of watching more news than ever. The increased number of news broadcasts, the advent of 24-hour news, and the addition of independent news programs have contributed to this.
Why are there more news broadcasts than ever before? There is instant access to global news, and these programs are highly profitable. They are moneymakers due to the low cost of talent and production compared to a typical television show. Satellites and the internet have enabled instant access and exchange of information, images, and video worldwide.
There is no doubt about the critical and valuable role that the press plays in a free democratic society. The problem is that the press has gone beyond reporting the news to becoming entertainment, albeit a frequently unhealthy representation of it. With their carefully crafted headlines, words, and tone, they create drama.
The news broadcasters are not entirely to blame. They give the public what it asks for. The more sensational and tragic the story, the bigger the audience. I can’t help but think that watching the tragedies of others is some unhealthy escapism.
I’ve heard people say that they want to stay informed. Does staying informed require that we watch the same story repeatedly with little bits added daily for weeks, sometimes months, and even years?
What impact do you suppose it has on a person’s psyche, mood, and health to watch and hear stories several times a day about murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, divorces, suicides, bombings, wars, fires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and on and on? Every news story you watch is recorded in your subconscious mind—no doubt about it. The cumulative effect cannot be good.
Local news seems particularly bad if you live in a large city. Most of it centers on the tragedies of the day, whereas network morning and evening news programs seem to mix in a few upbeat stories from time to time.
What kind of effect do you think the news has on a person’s outlook after they look at pictures and hear stories about all the bad things happening in their neighborhood, country, and the world? How do you feel after watching the news? Do you feel energized, inspired, and optimistic? Or do you feel lethargic, depressed, and pessimistic? Or even despondent, anxious, and angry.
The utterly amazing thing about news programs is how much of it is not news but opinions, predictions, and theories by so-called experts. These predictions, opinions, and theories often come before, after, and sometimes during an important newsworthy event.
These predictions, opinions, and theories are purposely added to create drama, seduce viewers, and extend the broadcast life of a story. Next time you watch a news program, notice how many times they use words, phrases, or questions like these: “May,” “Might,” “Could,” and “Let’s get her thoughts on this.” “What do you think he will say?” “What do you think she was trying to say?” “What do you think he will do?”
The most disturbing behavior by a few self-styled “news” outlets is their complete disregard for journalistic ethics to gain viewers and wealth. These outlets rely heavily on political and conspiracy theory-laden opinion content. News organizations are supposed to be a service for the greater good in a democratic society. These unprincipled news outlets do a grave disservice.
We have been exposed to so many emotionally charged stories that any good news is boring. We’ve come to expect more sensationalism to feed our news habit. Why aren’t more news programs, like the Good News Network, presenting only good news? It’s likely because we have become addicted to the rush of tragic news.
Now that news channels do split screens, we can get several news stories simultaneously, plus scrolling text along the top and bottom. The split screens also enable broadcasters to insert enticing and highlighted flashing words like “Alert,” “Breaking News,” and “Developing Story.” I wonder what they’ll come up with next to entice us to watch their programs.
Considering how much of the news is bad and how much is predictions, opinions, and theories, why waste your time on it? Nothing about it is uplifting, educational, or empowering. And it certainly does not enhance your mood, outlook, or mental database.
Why expose yourself to information and images that are almost always bad? Imagine what effect watching, listening, and reading the news for hours daily has on your mind, body, and outlook. Refuse to be sucked into the news machine. Put this time to better use. Try watching educational documentaries or reading inspiring books instead. Then, see how much better you feel and how much more productive you are throughout the day.
Choose your sources wisely if you must watch a few minutes of news daily.