[First, a disclosure notice for all of our non-sports enthusiastists: stay with me; this is far more than a sports post.]
Yesterday my hometown Cincinnati Bengals played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The Bengals have made the playoffs for the past five consecutive years. Only the Bengals, Patriots, and Packers have been to the last five postseasons.
In Cincinnati, leading up to this match up and all season long, the people have been pumped regarding postseason opportunities. We couldn’t wait! We’ve played well — albeit like every NFL team, losing a few games we wish we wouldn’t have or shouldn’t have — but it has been an excellent season of accomplishment. In Cincinnati, we’ve been talking about the growth of quarterback Andy Dalton, the development of backup A.J. McCarron, the stability of head coach Marvin Lewis, the talent of the running backs and wide receiver corps, and the strength of the entire team. It has been an excellent year. That’s in Cincinnati.
Outside Cincinnati, Dalton, McCarron & Co. are mentioned in the media — but such seems not the press’s primary focus. Outside Cincinnati, the media’s mantra is that there is no satisfaction in merely making the playoffs. Coming into yesterday, the Bengals had not won a game in the previous four years; in fact, they have not won a playoff game since January of 1991. That is the focus for those who do not live here.
Let me not suggest that those who live here are unaware of the record nor completely satisfied; my point (and this is where it becomes “far more than a sports post”) is that those who live here and those who don’t are focused on different things.
As recently acknowledged by the Intramuralist, we live in a contemporary news cycle that seems to create more news than it actually, factually reports. They assume angles and promote perspective that — while they may exist — may also not be the most accurate. They then promote their desired, chosen angle.
I am not suggesting that their angle is wrong.
I am suggesting, however, that their angle may not be of greatest significance to the people nearest the situation.
The media is creating the significance.
So my question is where else is the media promoting a perspective that is comparable to “outside Cincinnati”? … where are they creating news and promoting a perspective that does not resonate best with the people who are actually involved?…
… in regard to how they report on Donald Trump?…
… on Pres. Obama’s current leadership — negatively or positively?
… on climate change advances or consensus?
… on terrorism developments?
… on gun control lobbying and legislation?
… on Netflix’s “Murder for Hire” or Sen. Ted Cruz’s citizenship?
My point is that while news media may report fact, their presentation of the facts may emphasize angles that are out of touch with the people most involved. Media is choosing what angle to emphasize; we then are prone to respond to the emphasis — as opposed to the aspects of greatest significance to those who know the subject best.
Yesterday — granted, in a tight fought battle — yet for the fifth consecutive year, the Cincinnati Bengals lost in the first round of the postseason, this year to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 18-16. With all due respect to my favorite Steeler fans… daggone-it.
Looks like the media will have something, sadly, to still talk about.
Respectfully…
AR
Respectfully…
AR