The Dark Side of the News

The evening news is an interesting institution in American society. I mostly watch the news for the weather, sports and occasional stories that pique my interest. Yet, for the most part the evening news is gloom and doom, death and destruction, delivered by beautiful smiling people. I understand the purpose and necessity of the evening news. What I don't understand is why the news must always be so negative. In my line of work we try to be strengths-based, always looking for the positive in a situation. But the news simply reports the ugly and negative. Almost every night they report on someone who was shot, or a house that burned down, or some other tragedy. I am convinced that there is one station in Cincinnati that is not happy unless all of their viewers are scared to leave their home.

Just once, I would like to turn on a newscast and here this: "While we have had some bad news in our community today, we have decided to share positive stories that promote the good on tonight's broadcast." That doesn't happen because tragedy means ratings. I have often wondered what would happen if just one station decided to promote positive stories instead of crime and death. Would they see a spike in ratings? Or would they run out of stories before the end of the first week?

It was interesting this week when the plane landed in the Hudson River in New York. This was truly an amazing story with a pilot that was rightfully called a hero. However, because no one died or was seriously injured, the newscasts had to focus on the positive side of this story. It was fascinating to watch this story develop. The events that took place showed the skill of the pilot. As I flipped from station to station watching the coverage, a couple kept reminding us of what "could" have happened. They could have hit the bridge, or they could have landed in downtown New York, or the plane could have broken up on impact with the water. None of which did happen, but we have to talk about some destruction on the news, even if it is "could-have-been".

Do not misunderstand, I know that these people are simply doing their job. I would just like to hear more about the positive aspects of society once in a while. Even if they could promise one positive story for every negative, as a balance would be nice. Alas, I do not believe that will happen. But we can hope.

Good night, Chet. Good night, David.

Peace.