If it bleeds it leads. You might think it’s boring. I might think it’s boring, but on the whole outrage sells. It sells attention.
This isn’t new. Been a race to the bottom of outrage 24/7 for a while now. There used to be news reporting requirements. This is getting off topic, but read up on the Fairness Doctrine. Reagan removed it in the 80s. This essentially allowed echo chambers on national tv.
Edit: note that the doctrine wasn’t perfect, but in my opinion it’s better than nothing. Remember the debates back in 2016? The hosts said they weren’t there to fact check. Having no doctrine meant they could air whatever they wanted without rebuttal or responsibilities, and sell some premium ad time during the debates.
It’ll never be boring unless lawmakers force it to be boring. Advertises want their ads to be seen. Organizations that peddle outrage get the most eyeballs. Some might argue we shouldn’t allow lawmakers to fight the market forces that created the outrage eyeballs dynamic we have today. The dynamic we have today was created by lawmakers to begin with.
Can citizens do anything to get rid of the ceiling?
Vote. Start assassinating media mogul billionaires that profit from outrage eyeballs. Call your representatives. Think critically and be open to change. Any one or a combination of those things.
If it bleeds it leads. You might think it’s boring. I might think it’s boring, but on the whole outrage sells. It sells attention.
This isn’t new. Been a race to the bottom of outrage 24/7 for a while now. There used to be news reporting requirements. This is getting off topic, but read up on the Fairness Doctrine. Reagan removed it in the 80s. This essentially allowed echo chambers on national tv.
Edit: note that the doctrine wasn’t perfect, but in my opinion it’s better than nothing. Remember the debates back in 2016? The hosts said they weren’t there to fact check. Having no doctrine meant they could air whatever they wanted without rebuttal or responsibilities, and sell some premium ad time during the debates.
It’ll never be boring unless lawmakers force it to be boring. Advertises want their ads to be seen. Organizations that peddle outrage get the most eyeballs. Some might argue we shouldn’t allow lawmakers to fight the market forces that created the outrage eyeballs dynamic we have today. The dynamic we have today was created by lawmakers to begin with.
Vote. Start assassinating media mogul billionaires that profit from outrage eyeballs. Call your representatives. Think critically and be open to change. Any one or a combination of those things.
I have heard of the Fairness Doctrine. I think it was a great thing.
I’m not from US myself, but I’m still sceptical a bunch of calls to reps will do anything. I do like the other options, though!