The Impact of Media Coverage

Given the horrendous frequency of mass shootings in our country and around the world; it would seem prudent to investigate any and all possible solutions to curb this violence. To this end, we as a society need to seek out and consider all potential contributing factors. Consideration must be given to gun legislation, background checks, mental illness, violent video gaming, the motion picture industry, social media, the family unit as well as the news media and any other potential contributing factors experts may present.

There have been public discussions of several of these factors with the obvious exclusion of major network news coverage. Major networks continue to provide 24/7 coverage of these tragedies with more and more detail possibly feeding those individuals with a propensity for violence. Several of the twisted individuals committing these crimes reference previous attacks on the innocent.

I suggest the media simply announce the event and state that several people have been affected. There can be no value in showing detailed coverage of the injured or deceased. What value does an interview of a survivor provide? What value does camera coverage of blood stained streets provide.

If my perspective is wrong, there is no harm excluding a potential ratings drop. But if I am right, this change could potentially contribute to a solution. It could potentially save lives !

I have shared my opinion with the White House, State Representatives, Congress, the Surgeon General, newspapers and yes, all of the major networks.

You may have guessed. Not one agency has even responded!

I urge you to at least give this some consideration. We as a society risk nothing of substance by minimizing news media coverage of these terrible events.

Sincerely,

d.r.macdaid