Local television news plays a vital role in informing communities, covering everything from city council meetings to high school football games. But with limited resources and airtime, how do news directors decide which stories make the cut? A Classic Rule Of Thumb Guides Local Tv News: “If it bleeds, it leads.” This seemingly simple phrase encapsulates a complex reality about the nature of news and its impact on audiences.
While the exact origins of the saying are murky, its essence is clear: stories involving violence, crime, or tragedy tend to receive prominent placement in local news broadcasts. This is because such stories often evoke strong emotional responses from viewers, driving ratings and engagement.
The Allure of “If it Bleeds, It Leads”
The “if it bleeds, it leads” philosophy is rooted in several factors:
- Human Nature: Studies show that humans are inherently drawn to negative information. This “negativity bias” likely stems from our evolutionary past, where being alert to danger was crucial for survival.
- Emotional Impact: Violent or tragic events elicit strong emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. These emotions make stories more memorable and shareable.
- Visual Appeal: Television is a visual medium, and stories involving dramatic events often provide compelling footage that captures viewers’ attention.
Alt text: Police officers secure a crime scene with yellow tape, a common image in local news coverage of violent events.
However, relying too heavily on this rule of thumb can have negative consequences.
The Drawbacks of a Bleed-First Approach
While attention-grabbing, an over-reliance on sensationalism can lead to:
- Distorted Perception of Reality: Constantly bombarding viewers with negative news can create the impression that their community is more dangerous than it actually is.
- Increased Anxiety and Fear: Exposure to violence and tragedy can trigger feelings of anxiety and fear, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
- Neglect of Important Issues: Focusing on crime and tragedy can overshadow important stories about local government, education, or community development.
- Erosion of Trust: Viewers may become cynical if they feel that the news is sensationalizing events for ratings rather than providing accurate and balanced information.
Balancing Act: The Need for Responsible Journalism
Local television news has a responsibility to inform the public about important events, but it also has a duty to do so in a way that is accurate, fair, and responsible. This means:
- Prioritizing Accuracy over Sensationalism: Verifying facts and avoiding speculation is crucial, even when reporting on fast-breaking events.
- Providing Context and Perspective: Presenting stories in a way that helps viewers understand the bigger picture and avoid drawing hasty conclusions.
- Highlighting Solutions and Positive Developments: Balancing coverage of negative events with stories about people and organizations working to improve the community.
- Engaging with the Community: Listening to viewers’ concerns and feedback and making efforts to address them.
Alt text: A local news team prepares for a live broadcast, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting in community news.
While a classic rule of thumb guides local TV news, responsible journalism demands a more nuanced approach. News directors must carefully consider the potential impact of their coverage and strive to provide a balanced and informative picture of their community.
Beyond “If It Bleeds”: Exploring Alternatives
Moving beyond the “if it bleeds, it leads” mentality requires a shift in priorities and a willingness to experiment with new approaches:
- Community-Driven Journalism: Involving residents in the newsgathering process by soliciting their stories and perspectives.
- Solutions Journalism: Focusing on how people are responding to social problems and what’s working.
- Data-Driven Reporting: Using data to uncover trends and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Interactive Storytelling: Using online platforms to engage viewers in conversations and provide them with additional information and resources.
By embracing these strategies, local television news can become a more valuable and trusted source of information for its community.
In conclusion, while the “if it bleeds, it leads” principle may still hold some sway in local television news, its limitations are becoming increasingly apparent. As audiences become more discerning and demand more responsible journalism, news organizations must adapt and find new ways to connect with their communities. The future of local news depends on it.
