Too many media outlets rely on sensational stories that elicit an emotional response rather than efforts to relay the news in honest, helpful ways. How might this change?
Provide context
Too many media stories lack context. By adding relative statistics and a map of where a story takes place, media can enrich their stories. Too often sensational stories that don't share the stats and maps lead people to think that similar events happen all the time to all the people everywhere, however when people begin to understand statistics and locations, they can make a better assessment about a story and how to react.
Deepen the reporting
Too often news stories lack depth. That said, people's lives are busy and they can only take in so much so the concept of nesting is important with regard to news stories. For example, the headline with stats and maps can be reported, but then links to a series of related and nested news stories can be readily available. Similar to those Russian nesting dolls, people can go deeper and deeper with a story if they choose via the Internet and in other ways.
An example of nesting related to a news story could be this. The Headline may show Trump suing the January 6th Committee about the subpoena he received. The story could include a map graphic showing where Trump is, stat list demonstrating how many times Trump has forwarded a law suit for decisions he's been opposed to, and a chart showing the lawyers who work for Trump. That would be a lot of good information at once. Then with the nesting process, there could be a QR code or link that brings readers to the "nesting dolls" of information starting with the more general information and then going deeper and deeper with easy to read lists, links, and stories that bring greater meaning to the story.
To report in this way would help people to begin to see news stories with greater depth, meaning, accuracy, and context. This would help to prevent misinformation and lead people to understand how to decipher news stories and events with greater depth and accuracy.
Invite commentary via social media
Society is still trying to figure out the best ways to exchange ideas and commentary online. This will be a process, but in general, platforms that invite respectful, honest exchange and debate are best. Media channels should consider public comment and make corrections or additions to information as needed.
Media as education rather than propaganda
MAGA Extremist Leaders and other errant forces in the culture utilize media as propaganda channels in order to serve the rise of their personal wealth, power, privilege, and pleasure. People have always manipulated information to get their way. This is very dangerous as we clearly have seen via Trump's efforts to manipulate the masses with countless fascist tactics over time. I'd like to see the media move towards education rather than propaganda. When media tells a story with honesty and care, those stories impact the world in positive ways. In my family, the newspaper and news shows have been a centerpiece of our family life. As a child, we discussed news stories at the kitchen table every morning and night. We also watched news shows. This routine helped to keep us safe and also helped us to see the world with a broader, more empathetic lens. Now I continue that routine in my home by watching and listening to media via multiple channels, print, and Internet. I like knowing what's going on, and I seek the most honest, meaningful information I can find. Attention to accurate media sources helps us to be well-educated and meets our life-enriching goals to be lifelong learners which is good for our health and well being.
As with all aspects of life, the media can continue to get better and serve people in ways that are life enriching and beneficial. I will continue to think on this subject. What would you add?