The media

I come from a "if you don't like it then turn it off" kind of stance rather than calling for censorship. However, in the cases now where everything is on the news (& I use the term loosely) how can we avoid it?

For example, the VT campus is FINALLY asking all the reporters to leave the campus & let them heal in peace.

So my question, I supposse is, how do we effectively let the newsmedia know that we disapprove? I think since it is saturating the airwaves how do you let them know by avoidance that this is not the way news should be (if that is indeed what you think). Finally if that does not work, what will?

Good morning LIF

Re: The media

I currently practice avoidance. The scrolls on the "news" stations with words like: massacre, slaughter - really chap my arse. It's sensationalism and I think it's disgusting.

I know avoidance doesn't really work...I would think the next step would be letter writing/phone call making...then protesting.

Re: The media

what bothers me is that the media says that they are just putting the news out there b/c people have the right to know.

But they are putting it out threre so they can get the best ratings and more $$.

I just don't watch the news...it has seemed to make that much of a difference, but at least I can sleep at night.

Re: The media

Good morning

I think the disapproval definitley needs to be voiced. Boycotting is not going to work....they need to hear complaints. Letter writing, petitions, and phone calls, writing to magazines and newspapers...

In order to not make it a censorhip issue, I would stay away from lodging complaints with the FCC (and things of the sort) and protesting.

Re: The media

Watch MTV instead....

Re: The media

yeah...this "right to know" thing is stepping more and more on my "right" not to know.

we leak intelligence information that could put lives in danger...smear repuations way before proof of wrongdoing is shown...

the newsmedia is disgusting.

Re: The media

The problem is that not enough people in this country respect privacy. We are an invasive society; we need to "see" everything, even when it is not really our business to....

I guess if enough people avoided it, ratings and stuff would go down and maybe then the media would "get it." I just don't see that happening. I do as you, though; when I don't like it, I close it up or shut it off.

Re: The media

Thanks all for your answers.

I definitely would not get the FCC involved, becuase I think it is a matter of taste rather than violation of practices, however I do feel that the sensationalism is so extreme that it has become an evil money making venture - rather than inform the country on the state of the world.

I have already mentioned how I try to watch the international news over local news (Like BBC news, etc) but do you think writing the news folks to let them know why is effective?

Also in this case I do not feel like avoidance is working b/c I am not in a Nielsen house, and too many people, I believe, are drawn into this type of "news" and do not necessarily reflect my views.....