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Content is Not News
The public needs an education on what is content, and what qualifies as news.
Media bashing is at an all-time high. Rightfully so, as many news outlets have begun catering to the lowest common denominator. The are peddling “infotainment” over unbiased reporting.
For years, newspapers bargained for “advertorial” coverage, producing special publications, like home improvement guides or travel magazines to garner advertising dollars.
These publications are nothing more than a vehicle to get new advertisers to try the medium.
There is an unstated agreement. If you buy an ad and the paper will write an article giving readers more information on the subject. Advertorial inserts were never sold as real news.
No reader thought, “Look, the Transportation Department wants me to change the oil in my car or it’s going to blow up.”
The Subtle Shift
In today’s news world, you’re likely to see a story on Benjamin Netanyahu followed by one on Kylie Jenner, without so much as a hint of an apology. However, there is no clear indication where the media tells us, “Yes, we know this is fluff. Don’t take it seriously.”
Until recently, newspapers sold advertising in order to bring you the news.
