For many years, I’ve mocked local news programming. Not because of anything the on air personalities have done – it’s more about what they don’t do. But let’s hold that thought for a moment. Let’s first discuss media in general.
The media is a conduit to things happening in the world. They discover, uncover and then deliver news and events to people everywhere through various platforms and devices. But it comes with a price. In exchange for the content, consumers must also absorb messages from customers of the media companies in order to generate revenue to financially support their news distribution efforts.
As with most things in a capitalistic society, the more desirable the product, in this case the news, the more in-demand it becomes. The more in-demand it becomes, the higher the prices they can command for delivering the news to your car radio, living room or even the palm of your hand.
It’s quintessential supply and demand.
To gain a competitive edge, news program directors will seek breaking news or feature stories that add uniqueness to programming. But the PD’s have to be careful that their audience actually wants the content. It’s all about knowing your audience.
Unfortunately, program directors across the land one day determined that bad news sells. If an elderly woman was helped across the street by a fine young man it might – IT MIGHT make its way onto the 5 o’clock news. But if that same young man knocked the elderly woman over while racing to get in line for a 12-pack of toilet paper and she suffered injuries or worse, then it becomes the lead story at eleven!
What is it about us that prefers bad news over good? Does the suffering of others somehow heighten one’s standing in world, relatively speaking? Do we really need to knock down others to feel better about ourselves?
Have you ever been in a conversation with friends or co-workers and someone walks into the room and asks, “What do you want to hear first, the good news or the bad news?” Most would prefer to hear the bad news first while holding on to the expectation that the good news will more than offset the bad. When it comes to our own needs, we prefer good news to bad.
Why doesn’t it work that way in the media?
Well, here at Thumbs Up 247, we will lead with the good news and we’ll finish with the good news. Our stories will be rich with encouragement, positive energy, achievement and kindness. The vibe is good here at Thumbs Up 247, and so is life. It’s time to flip the script of mainstream media and day by day, 24/7, we will do our part to turn frowns upside down – to brighten your day in a way that we hope inspires you to carry the good vibes with you – to pay it forward with positivity.
We really do appreciate your visit here and hope there’s goodness in each of your days.
#ThumbsUp
