This essay examines the tension between entertainment and serious journalism in news broadcasting. It argues that while critics decry "infotainment" as a distraction from important issues, the use of entertaining techniques — narrative storytelling, human-interest features, and compelling visuals — is both acceptable and necessary to attract and retain audiences. Drawing on examples ranging from NPR's feature segments to Nellie Bly's immersive reporting, the essay contends that entertainment and education are not mutually exclusive. Rather than lamenting entertainment's presence in news, the paper calls for a focus on objective, compelling reporting that informs and engages simultaneously.
Every time a celebrity dies, the media engages in a retrospective of his or her life. Every time there is a major natural disaster, the media shows footage of the preparation before the storm, the extremities of the event, and its tragic aftermath — along with the obligatory interviews of locals. The reporter always asks seemingly foolish questions like: "Why are you outside during this blizzard?" There is also the familiar reporting of health and beauty trends: "Is Botox right for you — and your teenager?" This causes many observers to cry out in protest, asking why the news is reporting such "infotainment" when there are so many serious issues pertaining to the suffering of people at home and abroad. There are too many complicated issues worthy of serious discussion and debate that people do not understand, such as healthcare. However, while it is true that the news has a responsibility to report upon newsworthy issues, it is unreasonable to ask news broadcasters not to use entertaining and persuasive techniques to communicate their messages and draw a wide and loyal audience.
A factual newscast with a tiny audience would do little good to educate the public. Even National Public Radio (NPR), one of the most respected and objective sources of news in the nation, still showcases humorous stories — including baking recipes for Mother's Day — and extended "magazine-length" feature stories on aspects of human life spanning from the arts to trends in marriage. Are these the most serious issues in America today? Probably not. However, viewers demand to hear stories that are relevant to their lives, and when they do, they are more willing to stay tuned to the station when reporters begin to talk about Afghanistan or Iraq.
Furthermore, despite protests that the news has degenerated in recent years, it is worth noting that great reporters have always engaged in entertaining "stunts" to gain the attention of readers. Even Nellie Bly, long before television, pretended to be mentally ill so she could be institutionalized and report upon the plight of patients from the inside. Entertainment can also provide additional clarity in understanding a serious issue. For example, a "man (or woman)-on-the-street" interview can poignantly highlight the seriousness of a credit crisis in a way that lists of facts and figures cannot. Graphics, compelling photographs, and narrative reporting can make the higher-level concepts behind a news story more memorable, while a technically "serious" but dry news segment might make little impression and thus do little to educate or empower the public.
"Counterarguments linking entertainment to shallower news"
"Rebuttal and call for objective, entertaining reporting"
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