The News You Tune Out

[MotoMuzak]

This sort of ties into another thread in this board, relating to "Breaking News".

This time around it's the news you completely tune out.......this being, the stuff they broadcast they call "News" but really isn't.

And to any news reporters/writers who might just chance to read this--there is no such thing as a slow news day, only slow news writers!!

My tune-outs:
1) Morning shows
2) Anything advertising itself as "Breaking News" that ian't a matte of national security or local emergency where my own life and/or property are in jeopardy
3) Anything even remotely relating to celebrities, especially the "trampy little girl" types (there are a few of those who have needlessly been smattered all over the headlines lately)
4) Fox News in general
5) Anything where the word "News" is preceded by the letters "CBN"
6) Yet more drivel where the media tell me how to eat or stay healthy (I have my own surefire way thank you very much--it's called "MOTHER NATURE" [Patent pending]. ;o)
7) Sports reporting, if it relates to any sport other than motocross (even that's not news, but something i MIGHT tune in to had someone actually taken a few minutes to broadcast it)
8) Tabloids like Entertainment Tonight, Insider, Extra The Entertainment Magazine etc

....there might be others.....

What type of "news" do post readers tune out from?

 

[Morgan Wick]

Man, you come down HARD.

"there is no such thing as a slow news day, only slow news writers" Have you actually looked through what news may or may not be available on a given day, or are you just laying down the law without knowing what you're talking bout?

Personally, I think local news should stop being "The Crime Report". There IS other news going on on a given day than whatever crimes may have occured that probably matters to me zero.

 

[MotoMuzak]

"Personally, I think local news should stop being "The Crime Report". There IS other news going on on a given day than whatever crimes may have occured that probably matters to me zero."

Morgan, that is PRECISELY what I talk of.

In Portland (I live in Portland) a tune through the local major network affiliates broadcasting news seem to have little to offer other than the usual, steady diet of killings, stabbings, Methamphetamine-lab-raids and whomever Anna Nickole's son's father happens to be this week.

Occasionally tho (very rarely) something actually useful comes on, such as *stops to think*........no wait, scratch that. I'm strictly a "News Hour" viewer. *laughs*

 

[hammondo]

You said; Personally, I think local news should stop being "The Crime Report". There IS other news going on on a given day than whatever crimes may have occured that probably matters to me zero.

You said 'killings, stabbings, Methamphetamine-lab-raids."

It sounds to me like you are not yet 20 years old.

The only news I WANT is the "crime report." Growing up in Chicago, I could care LESS about politics (it's all corrupt anyway) and what the high school did (unless my kid was going there).

Obviously, you have no connectin to "news" because most people (ESPECIALLY OLDER people) want "police news." Thats what the advertisers want, too.

 

[sack]

Local news should be the "Crime Report". It should also be the "Political Report". But mostly it should be LOCAL.

It should not be,,,, Paris Hilton, special reports about American Idol, or car chases in other states.

Why has the local news, and even the cable news networks turned into what they are? Because we, the American People want entertainment 24/7. We don't want to be bothered with politics or crime,, unless they affect us directly. The news shows play into this. They want ratings, not like their forefathers who were only concerned with professional journalism and the peoples "Right to know".

I detest local news also. Its totally sensationalized. Do we really need yet another neighbor telling us they are surprised that someone went nuts and killed his family? What can you expect from reporters that have never been trained in actual reporting, but definitely trained on how to work to the camera.

And since I"m ranting,,,, I don't need 3 minutes of weather. Yes, I know people need the weather, but I don't need some bozo telling me what the weather "was" like today,, using 3-5 different maps,,, then telling me 3 times what the weather will be tomorrow, using similar computer generated maps. 30 seconds,,, thats all I need.

And cut out the happy talk. I have yet to come across any "anchor" that is at all funny or spontaneous. Thats not your job,, you are supposed to report the news,,, not come up with a snappy comment about every story. I miss the days when all you heard was,,, "thank you for that report,,, and now a story about....." If I want comedy, I'll turn on the comedy channel.

The thing about all this that troubles me most is, how can we keep our freedom of the press, when there is no press. Reporting the news is covered by that, not personal commentary. I love watching Olberman, but he is not a newscaster. He features big stories from one point of view. Same with O'Rielly. There is almost no news reported any more, its mostly opinion on the news.

Unfortunately, theres a buck to be made, and if we have to give up true news reporting to make that buck,,,

 

[hootmon]

I turn off Healthwatch--"coffee is good for you," "coffee is bad for you," "exercise is good for you" etc. They just grab a copy of JAMA and start throwing out headlines.
Also, "Stormwatch!!!!" It's going to snow!!! In Chicago!!! In January!!!
Sorry, crime reporting is news. So is a meth lab bust. So is a contentious city hall meeting. Unfortunately, for TV, if they don't have video of an event, it gets buried. Conversely, any quirky video gets shown. That's why there's almost always a story about a dog that has befriended a duck, etc.
The happy, feel good junk about a kid who won a spelling bee--keep it. That's for the local town newspaper.

 

[bpatrick]

It was the news consultants like Frank Magid who
gave us this emphasis on crime on the local news;
he and his competitors recommended that stations
go for the "visual" (wrecks, fires, etc.) at the expense
of more substantive news (if I want to know what goes
on at a Greensboro city council meeting, short of a verbal
set-to, I have to read the News & Record). One exception
is WHAS/11 Louisville, which keeps a fulltime reporter in
Frankfort, Mark Hebert. His reports from the legislature
and the governor's mansion are quite informative (especially
this year, a gubernatorial election year).

It was also Magid and other consultants who encouraged
"Happy Talk."

If you can find it, read "The Newscasters" by Ron Powers.
It came out in 1978, but most of what he said then is still
true nearly thirty years later.

 

[Mark Giardina]

1. Vacant house fires.
2. Stories featuring TV anchors/reporters promoting network shows. IE: Dancing with the Stars.
3. Car accidents, where no one was injured.
4. Reporters standing outside in a snow storm to report it's snowing outside.

 

[Morgan Wick]

Local news should be the "Crime Report". It should also be the "Political Report". But mostly it should be LOCAL.

It should not be,,,, Paris Hilton, special reports about American Idol, or car chases in other states.

Man, I guess I don't know how good I have it in Seattle. All three of the major news operations have plenty of faults but at least they're usually local (and even when KING goes national it's about the war in Iraq and political matters, not stuff that belongs on "ET"; there's generally probably one or two sensationalized non-local stories per show). Even KCPQ's "Idol" stories make sense (being a Fox affiliate) and have a local angle (Sanjaya and Blake are both from around here), and they don't obsess over stuff that matters to me less than zero. (I recently did a quick tour of our local news operations' evening - and in the case of KCPQ, 10 pm - newscasts. KOMO and Q13 turned me off the most, Q mostly because of obnoxious, unnecessary sound effects. I think I actually liked KIRO better than our market-dominant KING, which recently changed their graphics for no reason, except, I guess, to be more "modern", but they're a real turn-off. KIRO's graphics are spare and simple without looking like public access like KOMO's.)

And Hammondo, your local news SHOULD focus on politics, precisely BECAUSE "it's all corrupt anyway". What do you think is a biiiiiiig part of the reason why?

 

[BRNout]

Local news should be the "Crime Report". It should also be the "Political Report". But mostly it should be LOCAL.

It should not be,,,, Paris Hilton, special reports about American Idol, or car chases in other states.

Man, I guess I don't know how good I have it in Seattle. All three of the major news operations have plenty of faults but at least they're usually local (and even when KING goes national it's about the war in Iraq and political matters, not stuff that belongs on "ET"; there's generally probably one or two sensationalized non-local stories per show). Even KCPQ's "Idol" stories make sense (being a Fox affiliate) and have a local angle (Sanjaya and Blake are both from around here), and they don't obsess over stuff that matters to me less than zero. (I recently did a quick tour of our local news operations' evening - and in the case of KCPQ, 10 pm - newscasts. KOMO and Q13 turned me off the most, Q mostly because of obnoxious, unnecessary sound effects. I think I actually liked KIRO better than our market-dominant KING, which recently changed their graphics for no reason, except, I guess, to be more "modern", but they're a real turn-off. KIRO's graphics are spare and simple without looking like public access like KOMO's.)

And Hammondo, your local news SHOULD focus on politics, precisely BECAUSE "it's all corrupt anyway". What do you think is a biiiiiiig part of the reason why?

Local news SHOULD include the crime report AND local politics. Basically, those two issues are usually main things that affect (or could) the average person.

On the other hand: AMERICAN IDOL IS NOT NEWS! Coverage of it on my local news (particularly on the non-Fox channels) is inexcusable and guarantees a tune out from me.

 

[KML0224]

YES! Somebody actually agrees with my anti-Idol stance! It is NOT news! It's sad to see WTIC-TV (FOX) channel 61 of Hartford kiss ass to it as often as they can. WTIC-TV isn't even a FOX O&O either.

 

[BRNout]

YES! Somebody actually agrees with my anti-Idol stance! It is NOT news! It's sad to see WTIC-TV (FOX) channel 61 of Hartford kiss ass to it as often as they can. WTIC-TV isn't even a FOX O&O either.

But they even chat about Idol on certain local NBC/ABC/CBS affiliates! And, it pops up on GMA and Today now and then (not that those are hard news programs). Every Thursday morning, the early am newscast on NBC-10 here in Philly runs a piece on who was booted from AI last night. I mean, come on! Isn't there enough news in a major metropolitan area?

And, these same guys slept through the early (breaking) stages of the Fort Dix terror plot/arrest - having to cut to reporters from WRC and WNBC who apparently did the realwork. Strange to hear a reporter from WRC Washington talking about the arrests in Cherry Hill and how the suspects were being detained in Camden - when those places are a stones throw from NBC-10's studios. But, we were fully briefed on American Idol - and that's what's really important, right?

Philadelphia is the worst top 10 market for local news.....

 

[formeraa]

Man, I guess I don't know how good I have it in Seattle.

That's for sure! Seattle continues to be a "newsy" news market. KING tried to do a less newsy morning show over on KONG called "Seattle Live" and it flopped. So, now, we just have a continuation of the KING5 Morning News. Q13's morning show has a strong entertainment component, but that's typical FOX and they have quite a bit of news, traffic, and weather as well.

I am currently in Phoenix. It's hard to find a "normal", serious newscast. 3 is too quirky for regular news, 10 is FOX-ified, 15 is over the top sensational (how many convicted live right next door to you, details at 10!!!), 5 is okay but too much hyping of themselves during the newscast, and that leaves 12 with a relatively normal newscast (but they've replaced several senior reporters with young VJ's).

 

[notalkallstatic]

I turn off Healthwatch--"coffee is good for you," "coffee is bad for you," "exercise is good for you" etc. They just grab a copy of JAMA and start throwing out headlines.

I have so many thoughts on this topic (news you tune out) but I will only give one...for now.

I always turn off Healthwatch for the same reason. I remember a couple weeks ago, they said migraines were good for you, the next week, they said migraines are bad for you.

WHICH ONE IS IT?!?!?!

Honestly, I don't really watch local news (or even American national news) anymore. I usually just watch BBC America's BBC World News for my news and information. At least they don't really do stupid fluff stories that much. I really don't care about local sports, and for weather, well, I can predict the weather better than they can. At least when I watch BBC World News, it's not being as censored as the American national news.

Also, another thing I hate is when local news tries to copy something that the national networks are doing. WBRE in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is the local NBC affiliate, decided to do their version of “To Catch A Predator.” Oh For Christ Sake, can you please come up with your own ideas instead of stealing other’s idea! They have their main anchor actually doing the “Chris Hanson” role. It’s so stupid, that it’s hilarious! Also, to note, they have only caught 5 to date, which they have been doing for about a year now I think. I also think, all 5 have gotten off on some technicality, but I’m not sure.

Now, it’s time for my morning coffee!

 

[TheRob]

As a producer, I strongly dislike the forced use of stories about our parent company's initiatives, or whatever they want to promote. I work for a FOX O&O.

This week, it was the "NewsCorp Cool Change Initiative." Our station was criticized for only airing the story once in the 5:00 a.m. show. So, we were forced to air the propaganda in every show.

Last September, the MyNetwork fiasco boiled my blood. A competing station has a duopoly with the MNTV station in our market. That particular MNTV station has a 9:00 p.m. newscast. Yet, I had to air promotions for MNTV programs in my 9:00 p.m. show, essentially directing viewers to my only direct news competitor. NewsCorp actually audited my newscasts to make sure I didn't skip the promo.

Oh, and I hate vacant house fires, car wrecks, liquor store robberies, shootings over questionable pharmaceutical business in dark alleys, and the sex offender du jour.

 

[ixnay]

MotoMuzak, don't let my mom see #4 on your list. ;D

No sports reports other than motocross, huh? You must be a fan and/or practicioner (sp) thereof.

Portland, Maine? Portland, Oregon? Portland, Pennsylvania (south of the Delaware Water Gap)? (I'm a lifelong east coaster and have not been any closer to Oregon than San Francisco. OTOH I've been through the other two aforementioned Portlands.)

ixnay

 

[toby]

I tend to tune out weather that is not in a normal weather segment along with all the celeb blather.
For the most part the station I watch the most, WNBC, tends to have a great newscast keeping the nonsense to the end as kickers, tends to break big meaningful stories - like the Fort Dix thing - and it has some of the best political coverage anywhere. They may not be #1 in the overall ratings, but they get some very good demos by not pandering to the masses like WABC.

 

[JeeperOne]

Man, I guess I don't know how good I have it in Seattle.

That's for sure! Seattle continues to be a "newsy" news market. KING tried to do a less newsy morning show over on KONG called "Seattle Live" and it flopped. So, now, we just have a continuation of the KING5 Morning News. Q13's morning show has a strong entertainment component, but that's typical FOX and they have quite a bit of news, traffic, and weather as well.

I am currently in Phoenix. It's hard to find a "normal", serious newscast. 3 is too quirky for regular news, 10 is FOX-ified, 15 is over the top sensational (how many convicted live right next door to you, details at 10!!!), 5 is okay but too much hyping of themselves during the newscast, and that leaves 12 with a relatively normal newscast (but they've replaced several senior reporters with young VJ's).

Denver's a pretty good "newsy" place too although KCNC 4 is too "CBS-ified" and KDVR 31 is, like its sister station in Phoneix, "FOX-ified" though I do watch them at 9:00 PM. Meanwhile KWGN 2 (CW) just seems too boring. That only leaves KUSA 9 (NBC)/KTVD 20 (MyNetwork TV) which is okay but there's just something magical that I like about KMGH 7 (ABC). I especially like their 4:00 PM newscast. It has just the right amount of hard news and soft fluffy stuff. It's like a perfect mix.

I use to watch the 10:00 PM news on 7, but having just watched the 9:00 PM news on 31, I just didn't see the point in watching another 35 minutes of the same news, weather & sports. It just didn't seem to make much sense.

Just my observations from Denver

LIVE from Denver...

Cheers

 

[ixnay]

6) Yet more drivel where the media tell me how to eat or stay healthy (I have my own surefire way thank you very much--it's called "MOTHER NATURE" [Patent pending]. ;o)

Wish my mother felt that way about my eating habits. ;D

ixnay

P.S. I just read your signature, so I can understand why MX would mean a lot to you. But my question about which Portland you reside in still stands. 8)

 

[nuzguy]

Crime news, American Idol, and local politics (hi, there, who are you, for what are you campaigning) ARE the news (1) because that type story requires no mental ability on the part of either reporters or the "average" viewer, and (2) even when "in-depth" reporting is shallow (although sometimes outstanding), almost any reporter can be assigned to any story--the ability, as was said, to stand in a snow storm and say it's snowing is paramount in importance...and such reporting can be done by the cop shop reporter or the assignments editor. News follows the KISS principle because it's cheaply, quickly, and easily produced, and because that's about all people pay attention to. The rest of the audience will get its news from some other source such as Public TV or the newspaper.