I do follow the news – perhaps a little too incessantly. Which means I’m constantly trying to find the balance of reporting versus biased statements. In fact, that is one of the fun things about following the news!
One of the first things you notice – observation of an event is best served by a large vocabulary. The best reporters sum up in picture language what they have seen or heard. The one listening or reading immediately conjures up a picture – as though they were with the reporter. Finding small details enhances the story. While some may think this style of reporting is more about rabbit trails than true reporting, often the audience is best served by seeing the big picture after they have observed the smallest details. Their own skills of observation have been sharpened and they can discern the details of the big picture more readily.
Now, having gotten a picture in mind – through the devices of language and description, or through judicious camera shots/video – we turn to the actual seeing of the event. When you stand up wind of a manure pile your bias in reporting will be slightly different than standing downwind. In fact the true smell of the story will become prominent while the heart of the event is brushed aside. I’ve often heard reporting that is more about the observer and their situation than about the one being reported on and their situation.
Good news outlets try to help the reader/viewer understand the bias of the piece that is being reported upon. Although this may not be necessary, since most people quickly pick up on the perspective of the reporter, this reflects well on a news organization. They know what they are doing and do not hide behind deception when they report.
Come with me now to our present news cycle. There is often an annual news cycle in which certain times are high volume and action. At other times the sounds are minuscule and uneventful. The beginning of a new year often focuses on feel good stories of resolutions or new beginnings. By February things should have settled down. Politicians and others can fumble the ball at this point and hope no one remembers in the coming months.
Right now in Canada, the heat seems to be increasing instead of decreasing. Much like our year’s weather, where extremes are present, so too is the area of events being reported upon.
Trials seem to be front and centre. From a presidential candidate in the United States navigating legal sharks and political divides, to hockey players accused of assault, we come to teachers proclaiming the inadequacy of their contracts. The news cycle is not slow this year. And . . . to add to that, each new news revelation seems to have the potential to blow this world up. I couldn’t make up some of the headlines I’m seeing and hearing at this time!
I would love to turn the clock back. Let’s come back to a news cycle when wars and rumours of wars are only spoken of in hushed corners of the world. Let’s seek for a time of virtue where we report, not on assaults and sexual violence, but we point to acts of kindness and generosity. What about news editors honing in on the slow but determined actions of a loving community that wants to embrace rather than fight others.
I would be glad to awaken to that reporting – to be given courage to live the day rather than despair in confronting the day. Anyone have some “slow news”?
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