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Two local news helicopters collide as they chase a non-story hoping to catch the video shot of the day. Sensationalizing a non-story has become so mainstream that television and radio stations don't even give a second thought to putting employees directly in harms way. What's the harm in having two news reporters fly around a major metropolitan city videotaping a man whom has stolen a car? Well, nothing...unless there are other helicopters in the immediate area doing the exact same thing. Immediately following this awful disaster, the two parent media companies where explaining why it was necessary to get these stories. Reporters indicated that people need to know what is going on in their neighborhoods. Comments indicating that if average Joe Citizen was on his way to lunch, he would need to know that a high speed car chase was heading down Central Avenue so Joe could use an alternate route to get to McHamburger Joint in a timely manner. Yeah, right.

My city of Phoenix made national headlines a few short weeks ago thanks to this sensationalism. Sensational stories grab attention and attention leads to more viewers. More viewers lead to increased revenue for advertisers and the media company benefits. Does the phrase "shock and awe" ring any bells? That was such a popular buzz phrase at the beginning stages of our war on terror that it has become a household phrase. Why? Because it captured the attention of most listeners. It is akin to the rubber-necking syndrome. Nobody wants a person to get in a car wreck and get injured but anyone older than driving age can tell you that rush hour traffic can come to a complete stand-still thanks to everyone gawking at an accident on the side of the freeway. Its the awe of seeing the mangled wreckage. The shock of possibly seeing a body covered with a blanket signifying the worst has happened.

You could say we're a victim of our own curiosities. Its our human nature to stare at the unusual. Barnum and Bailey can attest to that. Their Freak Show made then rich. The big media companies know this is a road to riches and they exploit it to the best of their abilities. It is in Big Media's best interest to master the skill of scare tactics and lure in as many viewers as possible. Keep 'em scared and they'll stay glued to the story. Oh, and tie in a physical ailment. Then follow up with a commercial for the drug that cures the ailment. Report, rinse, repeat.

Learn more about this author, Ron Jones.
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