UNITED STATES – The current state of news is alarming to say the least. This is a piece examining what is actually being reported as news that actually is not really impactful in most Americans everyday lives. It seems the media blitz or craze, as we now call it, has nothing to do anymore with reporting things that are actually newsworthy, it’s more about the ratings blitz. Why, oh why has the media industry turned into such a cash cow? The focus is more about the revenue generating than to report things of importance. 

Let me give you an example, I was stunned to learn yesterday that the local news was highlighting its top story about pop singer Justin Bieber acting like a brat during a deposition. The first thing that popped into my mind is who gives a ****? This is not news, why is Justin Bieber all of a sudden the biggest news story that local stations can find nowadays? Are you seriously telling me that your reporters or producers are unable to find ANY content that is worth being televised to the public? I’m almost certain Justin’s antics in the courtroom are not going to have any major impact on my life whatsoever. So why is it being reported?

Because the news of days past, is no longer focused on keeping the public informed, its just there to be there. It’s sad, but so true. Yes, we might gripe about most of the things being displayed on the news as being negative, but I’ve come to realize its better to be informed than to not be informed at all. In addition to that point, it is important for local news stations, as well as those on national levels to report content that tugs at the heart. There is nothing more satisfying than to hear a news piece that inspires a person to want to do well or to want to do better. It can’t always be bad, bad, bad, there has to be some good, good, good in the mix also.

My biggest concern is that local news has become more entertainment news compared to discussing issues related to that specific coverage area. Of course, the American public is consumed with celebrity stardom, but remember what is seen on TV is not all that it appears to be, just ask Lindsay Lohan. The glamorous life of a celebrity is not as glamorous as we all seem to think it is.

I want journalism to go back to the golden ages of reporting HARD NEWS and achieving those adrenaline rushes from breaking a news story that is certain to have impact on all those surrounding. That’s not the case anymore, and maybe that’s because of the online media blitz. Its all about who reported the story first, without solidifying that all the facts being reported are accurate to begin with.

I’ve come to realize in the past year, that print media is a bit more reliable than anything that is seen online or on television. There appears to be a bit more effort in compiling a solid piece, its not just to get something published or to insinuate a dialogue, it’s to promote action and to inform those of WHAT is transpiring in the area. So many people are ill informed about what is taking place in their neighborhood, their city, their state or federal government. While we like to believe it has no impact on us, it impacts us even more when we fail to acknowledge what is important vs. what isn’t.

Justin Bieber’s immature antics have no bearing on the real world, when is the media going to get it? We’re doing exactly what he wants, we’re talking about him. Once we begin to not discuss it, it no longer becomes news and frankly it was never news to begin with.