Why isn't the media promoting calm and balance instead of fear?

[shance]

It does no good to promote such fear and chaos.

[Bob3]

1. fear and chaos breed ratings

ratings allow them to boost ad rates and make more money and money is the most important thing in the world. At least judging by the way people act about it.

[SteppingRazor]

10. Precisely.

That question is answered in one word: Ratings.

All networks and cable broadcasters are owned by corporations beholden to stockholders. They are OBLIGATED to make money by any legal means possible. And they treat their news programming as a means to that end.

As long as news is a business, it will be ruled by sensationalism. Not because journalists want to be sensationalist per se, but becasue that's what gets viewers.

[FSogol]

2. They want people to watch. Fear and uncertain will draw in

viewers. Calmness will not. :-(

[politicaholic]

3. Fear and chaos can be a good thing in this situation...

It creates a sense of urgency for donations.

[Beelzebud]

4. Because that wouldnt' be good for ratings.

[havocmom]

5. Easier to hustle people who are terrified

Calm populations think better. The rich and powerful sure as hell don't want people thinking.

[phantom power]

6. I think fear is an appropriate reaction.

What's happening is scary, serious shit. A major American city is completely out of commission, and it's going to stay that way for a long time. Gasoline prices are headed for $4/gallon, which is an economic disaster all by itself.

One reason things have gotten this bad, is because for the last 5 years, everybody was too polite to point out that this country is going off the rails.

The economy is unravelling. Earth's climate is unravelling. It's past time for everybody to start getting scared.

[liberal N proud]

7. Fear allows the powers at hand to control the minds of the fearful

[Silverhair]

8. Who would watch calm and balance? ZZZZZ.

If it bleeds, it leads.

[shance]

14. That's what we have been told to believe. How many people do you

know now say they never watch the news anymore because it's so negative.

I never hear "yeah, I love the news and watch it all the time because it makes me feel so powerless and helpless".

[txaslftist]

9. Sometimes the sky really is falling.

Hard to see how NO situation could be much worse than it really is.

[imax2268]

11. Like I heard once...

If it bleeds it leads...

they thrive on fear, chaos, and destruction...maybe they should put those michrophones and cameras to good use and ask BushCo why he hasn't said one word about this or what he plans on doing about this...

Hey dim-son...these are not brown people from another country...these are Americans...do something dammit...

Now I bet if Florida was hit this bad...ol BushCo would give Jebby full access to relief resources...

[Matariki]

12. I don't know, because of the deep racism in our culture?

I'm getting pissed off reading about "gangs" of "looters" breaking into stores for FOOD AND WATER. This is so bullshit, it is EXACTLY what people trying to survive should be doing. And I can't help but think that if it was a 'whiter' area the wording would be a whole hell of a lot different. I saw someone on *this* board fantasizing about "rape gangs" for god's sake.

[leetrisck]

13. The media should report - period- the very best they can

under the circumstances - they aren't there to promote anything.

[shance]

16. Yes, the media "should", but are you saying that they are?

n/t

[Armstead]

15. R....A....T......

..I....N.....G.....S

Emphasis on "Rat"

[Cleita]

17. Because this is how our government keeps our population

in it's grip. The media are just a tool of BushCo.

This is how kings kept a population subjugated in ancient times. There was always the threat of barbarians at the gate and they made them believe only the king could save them. Old technique. New technology.

[RummyTheDummy]

18. For the same reason very few people on DU are promoting it

Why promote calm and balance when hysteria and panic is just so much more interesting?

[Igel]

22. Righteous indignation also rates very high.

I'm not sure which was prevalent, to be honest.

[raccoon]

23. which partially explains why the media hoes keep hyping up

the looting.

[GumboYaYa]

19. No one in New Orleans is able to see the MSM

right now. They have one local station broadcasting that they can get on the radio. The people in the city are pissed as hell at the media for not giving them accurate and current information. I spent the evening on the phone last night relaying info to people who have literally been in the dark for days. You can call into NO on land lines very easily now. If you know people there, try calling their house. I guarantee you they are craving outside contact and information right now.

Oh and by the way, everyone there is scared shitless right now.

[bribri16]

20. Rove hasn't told them to change their post-9/11 MO yet. n/t

[chicagiana]

21. That's the President's job ...

... acting calm as a Hindu cow and going about business as usual. Blissfully going unaware and never bothering to contact the mayor of New Orleans while talking avidly with Haley Barbour three times a day.


Seriously, the news has ALWAYS been about getting people all riled up. That's what drives revenues. WHAT they are riling people up about is the real question.