Sensationalism in the Media: The Drug Story
by Faith Whooley
1. The Ruling Elite Theory
1.1. The most powerful sector of society (the elite) determine the laws, including drug laws, and the content of the media. This allows for sensationalistic stories to divert attention from the fundamental issues of society (racism, poverty, etc.). Elite power over the media allows for social control, or maintaining status quo.
1.1.1. Kanye-Trump bromance on show - best bits - BBC News
1.1.2. Is Kanye West Alienating His Fans Over Politics? | Daily Pop | E! News
2. The Money Machine Theory
2.1. The mass media are primarily motivated by profit and only secondarily or not at all by other factors such as social indoctrination. What counts in making a profit is attracting a large audience, typically by trying to appeal to specialty audiences.
2.1.1. Would you give up beef to help the planet? - BBC News
2.1.2. How To Create A Complete Makeup Look At Target For Less Than $20 | Change For A $20 | TODAY
3. The Grassroots Theory
3.1. The content of mass media typically focuses on the general interests of the public. The public loves exciting, sensationalistic stories. The more exciting the story, the more audience it generates.
3.1.1. Kim Jong-un’s gift of dogs and other signs of friendship - BBC News
3.1.2. Stuck Deer Jumps Through Storefront Window [RAW VIDEO]
4. The Professional Subculture Theory
4.1. The content of mass media is a product of the norms and ethics of journalists. Journalists believe they have an obligation to dramatize and individualize the news so readers identify with their stories.
4.1.1. Weatherman Exaggerates Hurricane Florence Wind Force in North Carolina While Two Men Stroll
4.1.2. Fake Hurricane & Flood Reported on The Weather Channel! This is Crazy!