The rising level of crime in Jacksonville is a constant topic in the news with everyone wondering what can be done to improve the situation. Societal woes impact everyone, in every town. It seems there is a whole generation that has a very low importance placed on life, property and their fellow human beings. I don’t think there is any one answer. Parenting, music, sports role models, the media… there is enough blame to go around. However, media is my pet peeve… for this blog anyway.
I opened the paper around Thanksgiving to see a ¾ front page picture with teasers of the Jaguars poor performance on the football field. Yet tucked away on B-5 is a small article and picture of a wanted suspect in an aggravated battery on a police officer. Perhaps sports should be left in the sports section and more importance placed on getting the bad guys off the streets. At the very least share the front page and allow the public a fighting chance to help the police. We all knew the Jags sucked this year. It wouldn’t have hurt me to wait until I got to the sports section to be reminded, AGAIN.
Yesterday on the radio I heard a question from the station on a survey they wanted listeners to reply to… the burning question? With the rash of recent police shootings, who is to blame? You could have knocked me over with a feather. Why is this even a question? Hmmm, could it be the CRIMINAL is to blame? Instead the “media” perpetuates the feeling that the police may be out of control, shooting Joe the Plumber or Joe Six pack as they walk down the street. Give the cops the benefit of the doubt. It seems to me the media assumes the police are guilty until proven innocent and the criminal is somehow a victim. Shame on them. Shame on us for buying into it. I refuse to buy the Times Union everyday anymore. I’ll get it on the weekends still, maybe… ads, comics and crossword puzzle they can’t screw up too much.
In my opinion, sensationalized journalism needs to change. Media should report the facts, period.
P.S. This blog is dedicated to my grandfather who was a newspaper proofreader for years. Unfortunately, he’d be ashamed to admit that now.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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