I watched the Edward R. Murrow Show when he interviewed celebrities in the 1950s. I was too young to remember any controversial topics highlighted on the TV Broadway show Good Night and Good Luck, starring George Clooney.
The program was informative, but the after-discussion brought up critical points about speaking up and expressing truth to power. The topic became The Media has lost its power and is no longer trusted today. The panel agreed that the country is being tested and must speak truth to power. Journalists asked each other, “How do we get through it?”
A former media Journalist, Connie Chung, brought up important points, such as fact-checking occurring less in the media and 99% of reports on most channels came from Democrats. Other Journalists stated, don’t walk in fear of one another, don’t fear losing your job, and don’t fear government retaliation. They concluded it would take courage to get through this time in our country. Journalism will be saved, and we can save the country if we dare to speak up.
I am not a Journalist, but most citizens agree that the Media is not balanced and doesn’t seem willing to listen to the people. As a crime and violence prevention consultant and author of six books on home, family, teen, neighborhood, and community safety and health, I want to express my “truth to power.”
Politicians and citizens may only see problems and solutions through their long-held belief systems. That’s why many Democrats and Republicans vote the same way every election year. They don’t hear about community problems or solutions. The media could help citizens become more open-minded if they discussed different points of view.
National Journalists and major media outlets have ignored the voices of “we the people.”
Media can expand the discussion beyond “if it bleeds, it leads.”
Americans need a balance between shock headlines and the reality of people’s lives.
Here are a few suggestions to create a more inclusive media:
- Invite community leaders, police officers, firefighters, teachers, pastors, coaches, and non-profit group leaders to share their perspectives on what needs to change in their communities. You will be surprised by what you learn from hardworking Americans.
- Individuals with new ideas, solutions, and inventions that can make a difference if invited to share their perspectives on primary channels.
- Focus on how to reduce the cost to taxpayers.
- The primary media professionals should consider interviewing involved citizens on national networks to discuss solutions.
- Invite former homeless people, gang members, pimps, drug dealers, and survivors of child abuse, and let them discuss how they survived and learned how to thrive.
- Consider panel discussions between communities to share solutions.
- Networks could offer a Zoom presentation to help individuals who are not familiar with media on how to organize their pitch so broadcasters don’t lose viewers.
The public can not always relate to politicians and infighting.
However, the public can identify with community experts who can discuss child abuse, child sex trafficking, gang violence, drug abuse, youth suicide, child neglect, and what neighbors can do to prevent abuse and stop crime. The media needs to open the discussion to unheard voices. These topics can be addressed by involved citizens, not politicians.
Children are America’s future! The major news media must stop assuming politicians have all the answers and focus on what Americans can do to protect and strengthen their communities. If journalists let the people talk, they will see that we, the people, can help reduce the high cost of homelessness, gangs, child abuse, sex abuse, street violence, and drugs.
If the media broadens its perspective, it will encourage citizens to expand their thinking. Americans and the press must move beyond political conflicts and “groupthink.” It’s easy to go along with the crowd, but it takes courage to think outside the box. In a democracy, we must value the independent thinkers among us. Many community workers have never had the opportunity to share what they’ve learned that can help others.
Major media seldom discuss the plight of American families and children. If the Media continues to play “gotcha” with politicians, we will not find solutions. Expect to see more violence against citizens, leaders and political representatives if we don’t change how the media presents the daily news. Americans need to hear from involved citizens who are making a difference and their success stories. Let’s recognize the innovators, non-conformists, and good people among us. We can’t kill an idea, but the media can help change minds. Our Founding Fathers created America for We the People, not for politicians.
Freedom of speech is the power and backbone of America!
