What, to your mind, was the biggest story in the media in the summer of 2009? Please clearly identify the story or coverage you think qualifies and explain why you think so in a concise paragraph.
Your response is due on Wednesday, August 26, by 5 p.m. (Sorry, but no credit will be given for late responses.)
A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce, or a tragedy, or perhaps both. -- James Madison
“When a dog bites a
man that is not news,
because it happens so often.
But if a man bites a
dog, that is news.”
- Editor John B. Bogart, New York Sun
man that is not news,
because it happens so often.
But if a man bites a
dog, that is news.”
- Editor John B. Bogart, New York Sun
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18 comments:
It seems to me that the only thing I can recall from this summer was Micheal Jackson's death. I remember receiving a text message from Twitter saying Micheal Jackson was found dead. It's already sad to say that I found out about his death via-Twitter and what's even more concerning is that I can not remember any other major story throughout this summer. Everywhere I turn, his face covered magazines, tabloids, t-shirts, television screens. Every time I turned on the news, something new about his death would be in the news. It was very sad news to hear about his death, but now it has been two months since it happened and still this story seems to be big news. New stories develop every day and because of sensational stories such as Micheal Jackson's death, they continue to be smothered and swept under the rug.
By far the biggest story of this summer is Health Care Reform. Not only is it getting more coverage than I thought possible, the coverage is leading to and uproar across the nation. Yes, stories like Michael Jackson have gotten more media attention but the reactions of this new Health Care bill have been overwhelming. I think this is the biggest story of the summer because of what this coverage has done, and what it says about our society. People have brought guns to Town Hall Meetings discussing this reform, and Fox News has interviewed some of the gun carriers in an attempt to drill into our heads that being allowed to bring a gun to a Town Hall Meeting is expressing their freedoms. The idea that a media source is glorifying intimidation tactics shows us a lot about what information the media provides us with. Another reason why I think this is the biggest story of the summer is because there are so many ways of getting involved in this story. Sarah Palin wrote a note on FACEBOOK stating that the America she knows wouldn't allow "death panels." The simple fact that a social networking site has become a new forum for political discussion (especially between political figures) honestly scares me. It almost feels like Palin's Facebook message got more media coverage than anything she said during the Presidential Campaign.
I know it is very clear I'm not a fan of Fox News, there is no way to deny that, but I still feel even with a biased opinion, my point is still valid. The Health Care story is by far the biggest story of the summer because media outlets are using scare tactics instead of informing the public. The real information isn't getting out to everyone, which is a big reason why this uproar is happening. Regardless of whether or not the media is covering this story correctly, this story would be HUGE no matter what. This country has been fighting over health care reform for decades now, there is no question over whether or not the story is important. What makes this story so important is the fact that everything about this bill has been blown out of proportion and a decent amount of that blame can be put on the media for disguising opinion as fact.
I'm with Kelsey, the biggest thing I remember from the summer (as sad as it is to say) is Michael Jackson dieing. I was at work when three teenage boys came in and told me that he was dead, and I was in complete denial, I thought it was a joke. A few hours later I received a text message from my best friend saying the same thing, so I knew that it had to be true since it was coming from two different sources. I immediately Googled it and saw that the internet had been flushed with news on the topic. I couldn't give you a specific source if I tried, but it was absolutely everywhere. Anywhere I turned for weeks after that (and even now with updates every once in a while), Michael Jackson's face followed me. He was on magazine covers, updates on custody battle, and the coverage of the funeral was available. They were even selling tickets to the event on ebay! So this is why to me this was the biggest story of the summer, not because of the content but because of the mass explosion of coverage on the topic.
The biggest story that has hit news this summer besides the health care reform is without a doubt the death of Michael Jackson. Not only did it somewhat over shadow that of cancer fighter Farrah Fawcett's death, but it is still being stretched out in the news as recent as today. Due to the ray of emotions coming from Michael Jackson's fans and the public over the past 20 years, his death unleashed a monster of gossip and rumors. When a celebrity is mixed with drugs and death and with the background of Michael Jackson, you get an outcome like that of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. All that juicy background needs is a hot match and the news takes in whatever information (true or false) that they get. Besides the issue with the custody of his children, the most recent news is that his death is now being called a murder. And I'm sure there is more to come.
Seeing as this is the first summer Obama is in office, it felt like most of the news revolved around what was going on in and around the white house. Probably the most talked about news story, that will actually impact people is the health care reform plan. It's written about in all the newspapers and is mentioned, it seems like, at least once during every news broadcast.
But as people have already mentioned, I'm pretty sure in the long run this summer will be looked upon as the summer that Michael Jackson died, especially now that they have declared it a homicide. In fact, I'm sure his death will end up being the biggest story for the next few months as well.
Like many other of my fellow students, I believe that the death of Michael Jackson was unfortunately by far the biggest story of the summer. Even months later, the media coverage of his death continues. Jackson’s death ignited some controversy on how much power stars or celebrities actually have. For example, coverage showed that Jackson used his status to gain these powerful drugs from doctors. It sparked the question of how much is too much, and whose fault is it. Recently his death was ruled as a homicide. Between allegations of misconduct or wrongful death was the coverage of his estate and who got custody of his children.
All of this information above was gained through word of mouth and from snippets of headlines. I didn’t even follow the coverage personally, but it was the hot topic at work. He was in the headlines in all of the tabloid magazines and even in respectable newspapers for weeks. Social Media networks such as Twitter and Facebook assisted in the “news” explosion as well. All of these mediums were throwing so much information at its’ audience members 24/7, that it was so hard to get away from it.
The media used the death of Michael Jackson as a moneymaker, and although he did help shape the music industry in the latter half of the 20th century and deserved coverage, he was being exploited even after his death. Many networks and papers seem to forget about what we the audience need to know versus, in this case, what many wanted to know. There were far more important stories that got brushed aside due to his popularity.
Did anyone else feel like putting a pen through their eye if they heard about Jon and Kate Gosselin one more time? Just me? Alright, but those two, their show, and their children were all I ever heard/saw about whenever I turned on the t.v., went on the internet, or walked past a magazine stand. The only brief moment of relief from the Jon and Kate circus was Michael Jackson's death. What bothers me is that no one was obsessed with covering Jon and Kate when they were a seemingly normal family, but as soon as there were divorce papers and rumors of child exploitation and extra marital affairs, there they were.
The biggest story in the media this summer was Michael Jackson's death. It was one of those days that you'll just always remember where you were and what you were doing when you found out. Within days of his death, I already saw people walking around in "RIP MJ 1958-2009" shirts. Tabloids became obsessed with the idea that he was still alive. Twitter was flooded with 140 character memorials. Radio and TV stations constantly played his music. His memorial service was televised. Even now, his doctor is still being questioned regarding the dosage of the medicine he was giving Michael.
Probably part of the reason that this story was so big is because in our culture we love distractions. We would much rather mourn the loss of a superstar than read about health care reform. Michael Jackson is much more interesting. But MJ was an artist who touched many people despite all of the hullabaloo surrounding his trials.
In terms of pure amount of coverage, I would have to agree that Michael Jackson's death has (unfortunately) been the biggest story in the media this past summer.
However, I'm going to break my answer up a bit to look at some other ways of judging the biggest story.
Locally, the NY Senate has been an important story. With all the political maneuvering, they've managed to waste a bunch of time this summer by fighting each other for power instead of working on the economy or anything.
Nationally, the reforms to health care are definitely the most important story. Between the actual reforms some politicians are trying to make, the wild things the politicians on the other side accuse them of (like death panels), and the ridiculous protests that some members of the public have staged, it's a story ripe with news that's both important and entertaining (like that senator from MA who told a woman that explaining health care to her would be like talking to a table). Because of this, I would say that this is probably the biggest story in America from this past summer...especially if you discount the value of media that do not provide "hard" news.
Globally, however, I think that the Iranian presidential election held in June may be the most important story of the summer. Ahmadinejad may or may not have stolen the election (he probably did) and this initially caused an uproar, though it does seem to have been mostly dropped by the media now. However, I think in the long term this is going to be the most important news story of this past summer. The man is, frankly, a bit of a lunatic. He's denied The Holocaust (or at least hosted a conference on the issue) and he's perfectly happy to run a government that is basically a theocracy. Plus, he's seems hell-bent on having a nuclear program which, intent on building weapons or not, is potentially dangerous to millions of people. So while the class does focus on America press, I would still say that this story may have been the biggest overall this summer because of the enormous effects it could have on the entire world.
The most significant news story of the summer to my knowledge had to have been Jon and Kate Gosselin. I mean, a solid %25 of all news coverage this summer, albeit internet stories, tabloids,and television news, had to have been designated for them and their children; that makes it really significant right? If Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera spend more time discussing their impending divorce than debating the merits of Obama's health reform bill or the ineptitude of the Teterboro Airport air traffic controllers, than Jon and Kate must be the biggest news story since, well Michael Jacksons death! Living in the hamptons, where Mr. Jon Gosselin himself decided to spend his summer blessing us locals with his presence, the story was absolutely everywhere. It was ubiquitous. I could literally drive by the local pizza place where I've been eating for 19 years and see a brand new sign with a picture of the delivery boy and Captain America himself shaking hands. In all seriousness, I really want to know how this schlub who left his wife and mother of his children is famous, and why people care. It's quite sad and disturbing when you consider news of who he is dating (a girl from my high school!) is front page stuff while the Bill Clinton negotiation with Kim Jung Il for the release of two American journalists went virtually unnoticed. While celebrity gossip dominated the news this summer and may have been the biggest, that garbage was not close to the most significant story.
That distinction belongs to President Obama and his health reform bill. In all honesty, Im not an expert on all the nuances of the proposal, but the reaction and commotion it has caused amongst the people in this country is remarkable. From the absurd people who decide to bring guns to town meetings to those who are just as insane and feel this bill will fix American health care for good, the overwhelming polarization this issue has caused is incredible, and I feel it's a good sign that people are getting involved and taking an interest in politics.
Brandon raises an interesting point about coverage of health care reform contributing to polarization in the country. One of the justifications for First Amendment freedom of the press, enunciated by the Supreme Court in the Sullivan case, is that such freedom will move disagreements over public policy from the brute level of street violence to the civilized (and democratic) level of discussion.
Health care reform is a huge story because of the two sides of the subject which has ignited the general public to voice their opinions on the subject. Health care directly relates to the general public and the voices should be heard. Not many stories these days allow the general public to have or voice opinions, news/laws just appear in front of them on a plate. It is good to know that the public is still alive and moving.
On another note, the biggest story of the summer is Michael Jackson's death. Our culture is obsessed with the celebrity and with the passing of such an icon, the media is smart to bank on it. With all the controversy over his kids and estate and his alleged drug use that led to his demise, the media has had a field day (summer).
Even though a lot has happened over the summer, the biggest story that took over the media was the death of Michael Jackson. I was at work in West Chelsea in NYC when one of my friends sent me an email link about Jackson being hospitalized. I read a few sentences about a 50-year-old unconscious male being rushed to the ER and was not breathing. By the time I clocked out of work at 5:30pm, his death was confirmed by CNN and Fox News and people were blasting radio stations of Jackson's songs. The coverage was horrendous; Google and Twitter was shut down and MTV canceled their scheduled program to play Jackson's videos continuously. I swear my cell phone was flooded with 20 texts and 30 calls. My sister-in-law called me in tears and that same night, I checked out the Apollo Theater and an impromptu song and dance ritual was scheduled at dawn and lasted for a couple of days. ABC, NBC, CBS, NY1, and other local news stations were all over NYC and streets were lined with local vendors selling Jackson's music, movies, shirts, hats, buttons, etc. Michael Jackson's sudden death was shocking and sensational, but I realize that he wasn't the only person that we lost this summer. The entertainment world lost Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Billy Mays, Walter Cronkite, Steve McNair, Michael Crichton (the dude who created ER and Jurassic Park), Mike Tyson's daughter, John Hope Franklin, and additional renowned authors and writers that I can't remember right now. MJ continues to receive coverage on everything from his infamous autopsy pictures, his will, the future of his children to his alleged 25-year-old Italian rapper son. I feel like no matter how long it's been since Jackson's passing,the media will continue to keep reporting updates on anything and everything concerning Jackson and his grieving family, whether it's factual or not.
I worked at a summer high school program this summer where I did not watch TV all summer. The only time I did was when Michael Jackson's death was announced. For this reason, I feel like this was the most publicized media event that occurred this summer. His death hit very close to home in the sense that it felt like it was the end of an era. Although I knew he would most likely pass away in my lifetime, it never crossed my mind before and I was shocked, as I'm sure many people were.
Michael Jackson's death was publicized everywhere. Random people on the street set up vigils for him. The Apollo theater had a huge memorial that many people visited. I actually visited Strawberry Fields this summer, John Lennon's memorial in Central Park, where, even there, a man set up a poster for people to sign for Michael Jackson. I feel like his death was a huge story because he had an impact on so many people's lives. People were interested in the details and the media gave them what they wanted.
There was a lot of media coverage on health care this summer and it continues to get coverage. However, I'm going to have to agree with my peers who said Michael Jackson's death was the biggest news story this summer.
I think everyone can agree that it has been getting so much coverage, because it was so unexpected. It seemed everywhere I turned it was in the newspapers, magazines, on television, and everyone was talking about it. His death is still being talked about and contniues to make its way on television. To many people his death and what has been going on after it, is considered news worthy.
I think the coverage of the State Senate coup was the biggest story in the media for the summer of 2009. This is my opinion based on the fact that I live in New York State, and find things that may directly affect my life important and significant. I am also involved with politics on a local and state level through internships and personal interest. I have been to Albany to lobby for different bills, and reading the coverage of the disarray and childish antics of our elected officials solidifies my former opinion of government and politics in America, more specifically New York State in recent years- it’s a side show in the bigger circus of life.
Also on another personal level, the Cash for Clunkers program was a significant event covered by the media. My parents actually took advantage of the program, so I was discussing it a lot and my ears pricked up most often when overhearing coverage. Also, the fact that the program was talked about not only in the news papers, on news channels, and on the radio, but it was also in many car advertisements on television, thus spanning more media channels then other news stories.
Although I feel the most popular story of the summer was and still is health care reform, the story I followed closest was the North Korean capture and release of the the two journalists from Current News. Not only was the story important to all of us as future journalists, but I love Current News! Because the journalists were from Current and I look at the site regularly, I kept track daily of the story and the status of the two women.
I found it interesting that even after they were sentenced, the North Korean government waited such a long period before sending the women to a labor prison. I also thought it was amazing that President Clinton went over there as a private citizen to ask for their release, though it does make sense to send him. I was ecstatic when their release was announced.
Threats from North Korea happen weekly; hopefully this can be seen as a sign of good will and lead to future progressive talks.
The biggest story this summer for me was the death of Michael Jackson. I interned in the features department of a newspaper this summer so all of the Michael Jackson coverage was in my section. I was doing lay outs and copy editing so I read a lot of stories about and related to Michael Jackson. I also covered a story for a local angle in which I interviewed people who visited a local Michael Jackson shrine. We ran a lot of Michael Jackson stories even weeks after his death. I do not remember any other topic having that much coverage in the paper. If I had interned in the regional section or hard news section I might have had a different opinion of the biggest story, but because we covered entertainment news Michael Jackson was definitely the biggest story of the summer.
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