There are some pretty horrific fires happening here in Southern California. People are losing their homes. And their lives. So what does the local news do about it? They give it a clever name like “Firestorm” and sensationalize the shit out of it. Fancy animated graphics zoom in for each late breaking news segment, accompanied by an original music sound bite and dramatic sound effects. It’s like they’re more interested in winning awards than they are in providing the information we need. And that’s just fucking wrong. Disaster Hype Sucks.
Well, I wonder what the alternative to disaster hype would be????
“Mary Smith turned 113 today, making her the oldest living See’s Candy employee. In other news, fires are still burning in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, thousands are homeless and there is no end in sight. By the way, 2 more people died. Now onto our Cute Homeless Pet of the Week segment.”
All kidding aside…
I think there are two sides to this issue. First of all, the news media outlets are money making enterprises. Thus, in order to get the viewers, they have to make their news coverage — while not necessarily better — as eye catching as possible — so that when Carrie Couch Potatoe is flipping channels, she’ll stop and watch. Unfortunately this is another sad statement about America today….people believe that an issue’s importance is directly proportional to the amount of hype it gets….
The other issue is this: The fires are EXTREMELY important to those who are suffering the effects of the devastation. In order for them to feel that others understand what they are going through (and I’m talking about everyone who has been affected, not jus those who have lost homes or loved ones) they have to see big flashy reports and big important titles on television. If my neighborhood were burned up, I’d better damn well see lots of coverage from overhead in SkyCam 5……
Disaster Hype sucks, but it serves a purpose….
I am with you, Smivey. I think it is stupid how some big story gets its *catchy* headline, logo, and theme song. Sometimes they can be entertaining. For example, when some Native Americans here in Rhode Island wanted to sell cigarettes tax free and the state sent in the police to shut them down the title was: “SMOKESHOP SHOWDOWN”. But usually it annoys the hell out of me.
Talkerer (or whatever you’re calling yourself this hour), you’re right. I don’t do this to get everyone to tell me how right I am. I just want to get people talking. Of course, I’m usually right. But, hey, ignore that fact, and tell me I’m full of shit every once in a while.
Oh, and BTW, people: Sometimes I’m just kidding.
The news can make a big deal about a disaster without branding it with a fancy logo. If it’s the top story and they call it California Wildfires, that’s enough.
Xolo, if you want to see a great parody of what I’m talking about, check out the Daily Show sometime. (Like you haven’t already.)
Dear Talkerer- We all think you’re masquerading as someone else.
Dear X- It might have sucked, but at least it was alliterative. That certainly counts for something.
Dear Smivey- Are you required as a resident of California to write something about this?
Glovia, yes, it is a requirement. I thought I’d get it out of the way. Honestly, I lost track of time and didn’t have anything to write about today. Eh.
… really what you’re trying to say is that since you’re not directly affected by it you’re sick of all the coverage of fires and that you would rather just see a good high-speed car chase on tv… this I know for sure.
;)
I live in AZ and it’s hysterical when it’s the monsoon season. Rain and duststorms are BIG news stories. Of course so is the idiot who decides the family truck can make it across the road through the fast moving water. dumbass.
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