It's undeniable - media coverage tends to be negative.
The argument always comes around to the same old journalistic fallbacks, such as "If it bleeds, it leads," or some other such nonsense. Also, the media are the cause of all skewed perceptions. The media are to blame for sensationalism of the most mundane and inane topics, but also are guilty for not covering overlooked stories such as missing children and domestic violence.
Basically, the media are evil. Sound familiar? The American public loves to tear apart the media and the UNM community is no different. That's fine. As media outlets, newspapers and radio and television stations are there to be criticized and complimented and torn down, only to be built again. A student newspaper is no different. We have a libertarian media system, which means the media function as an extension of the public.
Here's the thing about that: since we have a societal structure that operates on the principle of individuation, that means every single person in the United States has an individual personality and individual thoughts, ideals and perceptions.
Basically, we all have a personal stake in all media coverage. What the Daily Lobo wants is to act under the Madisonian ideal and serve as a watchdog of the UNM community, as well as the city, state and national community. It's a fine line to walk, but many times the perceived notion of "negative" media coverage appears in the newspaper a lot.
But what is "positive" coverage? Is it substantive? Some might merely point to it as regurgitated press releases written by public relations specialists, which prevaricate an institution or company or government.
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So just remember this: media coverage is usually driven by popular demand. If change in coverage is to occur, then it must be perpetrated by mass public demand. Until then, a little trust and a lot of feedback will keep your local media going like that annoying Energizer rabbit.
Angela Williams
Editor in Chief
