There’s a new addiction in the United States, and it’s set to harm millions of people if it’s not controlled. It’s not drugs, video games or trans-fatty acids — it’s news. More specifically, the unending desire for news that is unique, exciting and contains violence and trajedy more realistic than any video game or movie.

News sources exist as a public service, a right protected by the Constitution. The press has reported important events, exposed scandals and been an advocate of truth for centuries. However, today the motivations of some news sources seem to be more about money and stock prices than public service and the good of the people.

Citizens of the 21st century demand information and entertainment. It is even better when the two come in one pretty little package. The rise of cable and 24-hour news organizations have changed the news media industry and the face of journalism. News stations compete not only with each other, but also with movie channels and reality shows for viewers, ratings and advertising profits.

The advent of 24-hour news has caught many in its grasp. Even at BYU-Idaho the news has become a part of pop culture. It’s cool to be on the cutting edge of news, to have seen the first clip of a plane crash, a bank robbery or hurricane destruction. While the news has become more interesting than reality shows and more entertaining than stupidvideos.com, the trend is hurting America.

When the news is sensationalized, people are misled and truth is lost. This can happen in a variety of ways, most commonly with the simplification of complex topics. ‘Dumbing’ stories down or leaving out facts hurts those involved — sometimes millions. Islam, for instance, will never be viewed the same after the news reports of the last five years.

News media’s spin on Islam is “getting to know the religion of the terrorists rather than the religion that the terrorists hijacked,” said Georgetown University Professor John Esposito in a lecture at Tufts University. Understanding such a narrow part of such a complex issue can lead to persecution and even violence. Likewise, Catholics make the headlines most often with stories of pedophilia rather than stories of faith and service.

Sensationalized news is quickly desensitizing Americans. When Hurricane Katrina pounded the shores of the Gulf Coast, the media were there to report the devastation. Shortly after, Hurricane Rita was covered more faithfully and more closely than Katrina with the hopes of more amazing footage and exclusive coverage. When Rita paled in comparison to Katrina, Americans balked.

News coverage has become the modern day version of the parable of the boy who cried wolf. Rarely can you turn to a 24-hour news station and not see a special news alert or an important breaking story. Media hype numbs our ability to be truly concerned about any issue.

While entertaining and sometimes truly informative, the race to present around the clock news stories will change the way America thinks. Without deep analysis, true investigative reporting and less hype, this generation will begin to actually believe the watered down version of politics, religion, culture, love and economics that is all too often portrayed on TV.

Initially, changing viewership patterns and educating oneself on the issues is most important. Writing letters and refusing to support poor news sources is a powerful way to be heard. But to news agencies whose primary concern is the almighty dollar, voting with your remote control might just be the best thing you can do.

Bradley Jackman
opinion editor