I took these to heart when I apprenticed at the news desk of a radio station; and later joined a broadcast company, and then another, after college.
Our TV station's evening news program reaped awards for TV news reporting because our News and Public Affairs bosses adhered to these tenets.
That's a bygone era.
That was when TV news, no matter how shocking, didn't make your blood pressure rise — because even the most disgusting or heart-breaking stories were delivered by newscasters who didn't raise their eyebrows or sounded panicky. It was up to the viewer to supply his own angst or disgust or disbelief.
A professional newscaster modulated his voice. No tinge of editorializing, bias or intrigue. No shouting or eardrum-busting tones and snide comments. No bringing-you-to-the-gutter tactics.
Oh yes, some emotion and a bit of hysteria somehow made their way into our living rooms. But these were during live coverage of crises, like the EDSA revolution or a devastating earthquake.
Today, when I turn on the news, I somehow get the same sense of panic attack akin to what I experienced when, many years back, a radio broadcast reported that a building collapsed due to an earthquake.
Sensationalism is bad for your health! Today's broadcasts seem to set you off on fear-mode.
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| thedigitaledgeblog.com |
Where's the real news? How about some news on Filipino achievers, and I mean not just showbiz personalities. There must be some news about government leaders and programs worth emulating. And the world is so diverse, viewers could probably benefit from learning about what's happening in other countries.
Or how about some objective commentary coming from those who can --- without fanfare or angas --- truly analyze the news and the actions of people behind them. We should have more Anthony Tabernas or Ka Tunyings in every newscast.
Our newscasts have become so micro-and-bad-news-oriented, viewers fail to see a bigger perspective with which they can judge domestic happenings.
Then maybe, we can use some praise reports. Not the usual praise releases of politicians or entities glorifying themselves to get votes for the next election or to propagate some sinister ideology.
Why not these? Honest-to-goodness news on goodness and kindness. Successful partnerships, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Character and situation turn-arounds, triumph of good versus evil, etc.
I'm not surprised if a lot of Pinoy TV viewers no longer tune in to local news. "Tumataas ang presyon ko," says my friend.
I found one local news channel which still adheres to non-sensational and intelligent reporting. Solar TV newscasters could amp their enthusiasm a bit; but I salute them for their objectivity and sobriety.
Isaiah 52:7---"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
That's why if you're sick and tired of watching hysterical news, the Good News is always there to comfort and give you hope.
I just wrote a very lengthy comment and suddenly it's gone!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Don't worry. It happens to me a lot. That's why we need more of the Good News, so we don't focus on our weaknesses but the greatness of our God.
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