For the last eight years, America has found itself in the shadows of war. As our journey through these hard times continue, questions arise on the role of the media. Are we doing enough? Is the media keeping up with the correct information? Are we showing too much? Are we showing too little? In the middle of a war, where does the media stand?
There are too many questions with very little answers. And, unfortunately there are no correct ones. We live in a very opinionated society. What may be best for one may not be best for another. But, that doesn’t mean the media shouldn’t step up and take ethical charge. In a time of war, the media needs to full heartily take on the challenge of providing knowledge to the people.
It is the media’s job to inform the public. The Society of Professional Journalist’s code of ethics is to seek the truth and report it. “The journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.” (spj.org)
If you were to conduct a poll asking the citizens of America if we were still at war, what do you think they would say? I would like to hope that most American’s would say yes, but indeed there are thousands of people who have no idea where we stand as a country.
In 2001, when terrorists attacked America, the war on terror began. People were patriotic, saluted troops and supported America. But, somewhere along the lines of our busy lives we have forgotten about this war. We have forgotten about the people and why we are at war.
I know our country has men and women fighting to keep America safe. They protect us, and they are what make America so great. But, I will admit, I am spoiled in my freedom. I sometimes forget what that means, and how lucky I am. It takes a holiday or a trip to an airport to see the soldiers in uniform, to make me remember what is going on in America today. Millions of people are doing the same thing. They forget. They have moved on in their lives and are taking freedom for granted.
As an educated individual I believe the media has a role in this. I don’t think they are living up to their potential in keeping the public informed. Years ago, the death of a soldier would make the front page of a newspaper, and now, they are placed at the bottom, almost forgotten.
Pierce quoted Louise Richardson, an official of the U.S. government, “I think most Americans are not terribly interested in foreign policy. They are interested in paying the bills and the rest of it. And then, you have your leadership telling them the simple story of good and evil. We’re good. The other guys are bad. And the media, I think, have really let us down insofar as they haven’t sought out—not necessarily me, but contrary voices. They’ve gone for the easy spokespeople.”
The media essentially decides what is important for us to hear .It’s their job to keep our country informed, educated and in remembrance for what is important.
I often wonder why celebrity gossip has become more important than the men and woman who are fighting for us overseas. Today the media talks about what sells so irrational topics become the center of attention.
I have many friends who refuse to watch American news. They believe it is bias and full of “crap”. They get their news and media from online accredited sources from countries outside the U.S. They swear it is so much better than American news.
American’s are too concerned in their own lives, many people can’t see past Friday. We are slowly losing touch with reality.
We all do it, including me. I love the media and I study the media , but I still don’t have the answers. However, I am aware that there is a problem with the way our media is prioritizing news. There are hundreds of tools the media could be utilizing to build more enthusiasm and awareness about real issues.
The media has great intention, but I’m frustrated with its future. We have so much technology and so much potential to bring greatness to our country. Knowledge is power. If we want to help create a better place for our children, and theirs to come, we need to do something. We trust the familiar faces on television and the recognized voices on the radio. Let us use it for our own good.
Let us stick to our code of ethics, but step up the game. Let us unite and bring more information, photos and videos about conflicting topics that affect the everyday American. Let us talk about big things, small things, stories from around the nation and around the world. Let us debate and create new ideas. Let us not fear stepping outside of the box.
We need to do better and become better.
Think about what you can do to contribute. Where will your media outlets lead you?
Tags: Charles Pierce, Idiot America, Mass Communications, Media, Public Relations