The New York Times promises readers that the newspaper always deliver, “All the news that’s fit to print.” The Equinox makes it a weekly goal to do the same. What each individual considers to be news may be relative. However, we believe that what often takes precedent as top-of-the-fold news is not front-page worthy.
As Miley Cyrus trumped headlines with her “twerking,” the death toll in Syria climbed. When Justin Bieber was arrested last week, reports of riots and a growing death count surfaced out of Cairo. While the E! Network reported which designers’ stars wore what on the red carpet at the Grammy’s, threats of terrorism on the Sochi Olympic Games continue.
Considering Bieber’s prominence, news of his arrest was rightly reported to the public. However, we believe this news was too high on the agenda of many news networks. The Equinox does not believe a disgruntled pop star is more important than outbreaks of war and unjust treatment of fellow human beings—regardless if the occurrences take place on our soil or thousands of miles away.
Erin D’Aleo / Graphics Editor
We believe major news networks have a job to do—as does The Equinox. The job is not only to inform, but to educate readers and viewers. To do the job well, priority lists should be altered.
Why did CNN post Bieber’s face all over their front page on Tuesday, January 21, the day the pop star was arrested, while stories about extreme weather, terrorist threats in Sochi, Russia, and a first-of-its-kind debate on whether or not to take a pregnant, brain-dead woman off life support were thrown below in much smaller font?
Did the public really gain any important insight by reading the details of Bieber’s arrest? Rather than focus on what scores the highest ratings, news sources should report important international and domestic news. What did the public miss when they were brought up-to-date with Bieber’s blood-alcohol content?
We call for a reevaluation. This is not only a message to news organizations who share the duty to inform the public, but to individuals as well. What do you care about? What do you consider to be major headlines?
If you answered, “Justin Bieber,” perhaps it’s time to rethink your role as a media consumer.
