We have received feedback on this issue from people all across America. Review the graph to the left for a quick snapshot of the responses received to date, or read the responses below.

... We are overwhelmed ...

September 17,2003

I have often thought that the news media does itself and the public a disservice by sensationalizing the news to a carnaval level atmosphere. It is truly a demoralizing, desensitizing, effect that through repetion numbs us to the issue. We are overwhelmed with a continuous onslought of repetative news casting that floods our intellect with every news agency's "spin" on how they interrupt it and what it means. I suppose that is their perogative,albeit, but I think they have a responsibility to the public to report the news in a respectful and proper format. Is that not the essence of the question? It is the responsibility of the news media to give us clear and concise information not turn it into a circus of media events. I think its the dumbing of America whether or not those actualling doing the reporting are aware of it. How about the informative question asking shows like "Now" with Bill Moyers?

... I love Fox News ...

September 17,2003

I know that I love Fox News, and I would rather watch these subjects than you folks and your liberal slant on everything, and i can't stand pandering to the liberals. Liberals are out! Finally! You folks only think you run media. Your Polls hang up on conservatives and only poll liberals. And, few people want to hear what you have to say, as long as you keep on talking Clinton, and playing to those who bash Bush. You are the last ones who know what's up with the American public. We will answer your questions more often if you stop putting on all the liberal candidates all the time, and never show Bush in the wonderful light he deserves. We just won't watch you.

... "False" News ...

September 17,2003

News in America is "False" News, and has nothing to do with "real" news. I have stopped buying newspapers and will not watch news on TV as I see it as nothing but "crap" and "Hyp". I go online and look at say BBC to get better news coverage of what is real in America. Even to Asian and European news outlets.

... used to mean news. ...

September 17,2003

I have noticed that News organizations have a difficult time seperating 'their' frenzy or lack of interest from the public's interests. More than once I have been outraged when the media declares Americans are not interested any longer in Afganistan or Iraq.
It is the media that pulls out, not us, and leaves people like me on our own to hunt relentlessly for updates. Hey, if I had a cameraman I would be there to get the information I need. Why not report the improvements realizied by the Afgans and Iraqis, rather than only the attention grabbing deaths?
I depend greatly on the Lehrer Newshour for real news with nicely balanced discussions and I've relied on the United Nations website to find out what is really going on.
News used to mean news.

... become irrevelant ...

September 17,2003

For big media corporations, the ultimate concern is their bottom-line -- increasing ratings and thus the profit. Programming of substance thus become irrevelant. Who is making these ratings?

Is this a case of catering to what consumers want or a case of wagging the dog's (consumer's) tail to get him to chase it?

... be all knowing ...

September 17,2003

Despite the melodramatic reasons given by the media for their existence, the goal of the media today, not the role, is to embellish, cajole and manipulate information for the purpose of titillating the public with a soap opera format. The final product is far removed from being a factual accounting of information. The “news” has become a rendering of the reporters endeavor to hype an issue to the point where the information becomes profitable. No longer is the public allowed to receive “factual” information in “raw” form and decipher for themselves the positive and negative aspects. The media, who now presumes to be all knowing, has taken it upon themselves to tell us what and how we should think. If the facts are not evident, the media will create them!

i.e.; Item #4 Guideline: let us trim or make minor edits to your response if it does not conform to the guidelines."

... vapid gossip ...

September 17,2003

If it bleeds it leads. The rapacious sensationalism and frenzy that the press create over a story has lead to my complete disillusionment with the media. Accurate, fair, unbiased reporting should lead the way, not ratings. Report what is news and not what is best left the Jerry Springers of the world - such as vapid gossip. The current state of news plays to people's fears and voyeuristic rubbernecking. Journalists have become a pack of muckrackers in their desire to make the ratings. I'm sure Edward R. Murro would be disgusted!

... needed news ...

September 17,2003

I strongly agree. Gathering news is often like watching six-year olds play soccer. All the attention is on the ball, nothing on the field of play. During the events following 9/11/01, I was one of the many cautious travellers trying to get home. The world's focus was on the obstacles. I needed news on the pathways. A world-wide traffic report as it were. Like so many, I had decisions to make and no access to information about airline movement, aiport status, highway conditions, fuel availablility, car pooling, etc. I had 4,000 miles to travel from TX to AK. My message here is even in the big events where myopia may be justified, someone has to view the entire field and anticipate the needs of the audience. Tough mission, yes.

... Fame bug ...

September 17,2003

What I wonder is how long this has been going on, the crossing of sensational stories of personalities with substantive stories that inform (think Hurricane Isabel posted side by side with Ben&Jen on MSN.com). Is the problem with news organizations themselves, or did our entertainment industry infect our news with the Fame bug? They're both owned by the same guys these days.

... sensational storm ...

September 17,2003

....even the weather station will continuously report on a blip off the coast of Africa that may become a sensational storm. Meanwhile I can't find out if its raining in the next county.