Media picks ‘scoops’ over the real issues

SADLY, THE MEDIA coverage during this prolonged election campaign season documents a gross failure to focus on issues essential for our country’s future. Watching, listening and reading lead stories demonstrate all media’s fascination with sensationalism and controversy.

What short- or long-term solutions to our nation’s problems are addressed with only major emphasis on name-calling, slander and innuendo, with minimal reference to platform contents, policy and overall candidate intentions if elected?

How does quoting, “… is a bigot” or “… is a liar” explain the candidates’ plans if elected?

How do these character assassinations inform voters about policy positions, recommendations for solving the myriad critical concerns facing our country now and in coming years?

What benefits result from repeating and reporting utterances that have no redeeming value or function in solving numerous problems proliferating in our midst; hungry children, homelessness, uninsured, veterans’ issues, gross inequities, the unemployed and underemployed, deteriorating infrastructure, gridlock in government, campaign reforms, abusive lending practices, educational failures, criminal activities, etc.

Obviously, media outlets are vying to get the “scoop” on’ “he said …” or “she said …” no matter what the meaningful content of the politician’s utterance may be. Apparently fanning the flames of divisiveness and fracturing segments of our society makes money for corporate media with campaign ad sales, and readership/viewer and listener data.

Why can’t all media reporting focus on pivotal issues, how problems will be solved, how compromise, consensus and agreeing to disagree are important for a win/win situation and the future of our democracy?

WALT PUNKE Albuquerque