Pseudo-events are usually the stories that have the most outrageously ridiculous teasers. So if the news media chooses which stories to air and makes up the rest so what real propose do they serve? I think Don Henley said it best in the song “Dirty Laundry” "I make my living off the Evening News Just give me something-something I can use People love it when you lose, They love dirty laundry” The news business is after all a business. The goal of a business is to make a profit selling a product people need or want to buy. In selling their product the news media desensitizes the viewer. Each story must be more outrageous than the last to keep the publics attention. “Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear Come and whisper in my ear Give us dirty laundry” At its best the news will give one part or one side of a story, but to believe that their version is the complete truth is native. For that matter, to blindly believe any one source of information is dangerous. “We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who comes on at five She can tell you 'bout the plane crash with a gleam in her eye It's interesting when people die- Give us dirty laundry” To the news producer, reporters and anchors the news is a product. Just like a used car salesman will polish up the rusted out ’76 pinto, the news media will add as much drama to story as possible. “Can we film the operation? Is the head dead yet? You know, the boys in the newsroom got a running bet Get the widow on the set! We need dirty laundry” The news shows are entertainment. They are a packaged product made to sell commercials. They use tragedies to make money. Why else would a cameraman be taking pictures of children running from a school shooting instead of helping them to safety? It was interesting at the Collibine shooting that the press said they would respect the privac...
