All weekend, I've heard nothing else, but about the shooting in Arizona. I feel bad for the nine-year-old girl that died as well as the judge and the attempted assassination of the congresswoman. She still remains critical and is fighting hard to survive.
What I don't like is how the media has tainted this event by trying to do investigative journalism on air. Coming up with pure speculation. Having no facts to back it up. What gives? A sad story that has almost crippled a town has turned it into entertainment journalism in a rather sick way.
I also take issue with good news that happens within the black community that mainstream media never covers. They will quickly rush to a crime scene, a school lock down or a murder investigation and show family members acting irrationally while crying or being held back to officers. I hate that. Why can't mainstream cover uplifting events in our community like a teen step off competition, a family proud of their graduate or folks who volunteer and give back to their communities? This type of stereotypical reporting isn't cool either.
I blame us and media for letting this happen. Nobody reads anymore. Our attention span is short. Anything longer than three minutes; we don't pay attention. We go to computers, view ticker tape and may be listen to the radio. As a result, news reporters rush to report their stories and fact checking has fallen by the weigh side. Sad, but true.
I recommend if you don't like the images you see of us (as black folks) make your voice known and heard. Write e-mails, call your station or write a letter. Send in a petition.
The problem with this type of reporting and images to supplement news packages is that misinformation occurs: the damage is already done. News is now 24-7. So reporters can come back and correct themselves. No harm: no foul. Right? Wrong.
This type of apathy in reporting makes reporters and assignment editors lazy. Period. Fact checking is a vital part of responsible journalism. Inaccurate reporting doesn't SHOUT responsible. Just as the African American community is diverse, the reporting should reflect it.
No wonder we don't trust media. Good journalism is factual. At least that was what I was taught in school. I'm all for getting the story out before competitors: just get it right. Leave on-air investigations to people who know how. Please.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Monday, January 10th 2011 at 1:47PM
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