So, we're all-too familiar with the irritating practice of journalists who regularly select toothless, unkempt, attention-seeking "eye witnesses" to speak on camera about newsworthy events.
We cringe when we see roller-clad women and men, whose down-home vernacular is less than grammatically correct, on the nightly news ... how can I put this? ... reinforcing negative stereotypes.
I admit that I always assumed the "eye witnesses" were the main culprits. I figured these men and women were looking for their 15 minutes of fame and chased down camera crews to share their version of events.
However, a friend of mine suggested that maybe the news media has more to do with this recurring phenomenon than I originally thought.
He suggested that in a quest to include the most compelling and interesting interviews, editors continue to consciously use this footage in news packages to boost ratings. After all, as sad as it is, a toothless, hairless woman with a strong country accent will draw more attention than the educated, sister who carefully chooses her words when speaking to the camera.
So, which do you think it is? Is it a case of "homely" individuals hungry for camera time, or are news producers actually including footage of your aunts and uncles to boost ratings?
No comments:
Post a Comment