One of the problems with much of what is termed ‘mainstream media’ is that all too often they participate in ‘groupthinking.’
While the world is crying out for real coverage of real issues or real ideas on how to tackle tough problems, we are stuck with tons of journalists parroting the same ideas and stories that everyone else is covering.
Examples:
Who will step up as the conservative opposition to Mitt Romney in the GOP primaries?
How to make sure you really follow through on your resolutions this year?
Are JT and Jessica Biel really engaged?
Is Kris Humphries the most hated man in the NBA?
What’s reflected in this is a lack of conviction that people will respond to real news, or to real stories that if people knew about them and responded could have a positive impact on people’s lives.
This goes back to yesterday’s post about choice and advertising metrics. Sometimes the smartest thing isn’t to give your audience what they want, but to give them what they need.