We Buy What The Media Sells

Posted By Blackfive

My friend, Chief Steve, is in Mosul.  I've referred to him on the blog as a Chief or as my former First Sergeant when I was a Company Commander.

Yesterday, I drove out to Kansas City from St. Louis to see his pregnant (nine months) wife and three kids.  Aside from a lunch, I spent most of my time setting up their computer with a Firewall, Antivirus, and a video cam with mic so they could see and talk to Steve at some point (he doesn't have internet available for personal use).

The one thing that came up time and again in our discussions was about how the media (or "damn" media) doesn't cover all any of the good things that occur in Iraq.  Steve's been there for over three months and he's on fire about the lack of fair media coverage.

I've got dozens of friends in Iraq.  Most (but not all) are definitely pissed off at the media.  One of my good friends, Sergeant Emil, wants to pay a visit to certain pundits when he gets back.  He's SF (18D) as a Reservist and a Nurse Pracitioner (neuro) as a civilian.  So he'll be able to correct any damage that he causes...if he wants to...That won't be a good day for certain ABC pundits...

As for positive media stories, I've seen local Chicago TV stations try a "nice story" segment every night and then have to stop it because it doesn't sell ad space like a homicide or fire (which are important stories).  So, I doubt that it would work for Iraq and Afghanistan.

So what would it take to get the Main Stream Media to change it's spots?

(And, ergo, what would it take to get the Main Stream Public to change their desire for car wrecks and disasters?)

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We Buy What The Media Sells

My friend, Chief Steve, is in Mosul.  I've referred to him on the blog as a Chief or as my former First Sergeant when I was a Company Commander.

Yesterday, I drove out to Kansas City from St. Louis to see his pregnant (nine months) wife and three kids.  Aside from a lunch, I spent most of my time setting up their computer with a Firewall, Antivirus, and a video cam with mic so they could see and talk to Steve at some point (he doesn't have internet available for personal use).

The one thing that came up time and again in our discussions was about how the media (or "damn" media) doesn't cover all any of the good things that occur in Iraq.  Steve's been there for over three months and he's on fire about the lack of fair media coverage.

I've got dozens of friends in Iraq.  Most (but not all) are definitely pissed off at the media.  One of my good friends, Sergeant Emil, wants to pay a visit to certain pundits when he gets back.  He's SF (18D) as a Reservist and a Nurse Pracitioner (neuro) as a civilian.  So he'll be able to correct any damage that he causes...if he wants to...That won't be a good day for certain ABC pundits...

As for positive media stories, I've seen local Chicago TV stations try a "nice story" segment every night and then have to stop it because it doesn't sell ad space like a homicide or fire (which are important stories).  So, I doubt that it would work for Iraq and Afghanistan.

So what would it take to get the Main Stream Media to change it's spots?

(And, ergo, what would it take to get the Main Stream Public to change their desire for car wrecks and disasters?)

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» Why Good News Doesn't Sell from Technicalities
Blackfive has a thought provoking post on the media and good news stories. He notes: As for positive media stories, I've seen local Chicago TV stations try a "nice story" segment every night and then have to stop it because... [Read More]