STORY
1
This past week we have seen a series of events
unfold in regards to black lives being taken by police and police being killed
as well. Although it generally would not relate directly back to a PR
Professional, the way media has used these situations to enrage people and even
gain ratings, it would be in a PR professionals best interest to be aware of
the situations and stay informed so they can address the situation correctly
without offending or putting anyone off.
Brian Stelter of CNN,
interviews Elon James White of TWIBNation in wake of the many shootings this
past week between black and minority civilians and the police.
White explains sometimes it takes seeing violence to
understand violence, however we have been showing it on television for decades
and it’s not helping.
White goes on to say media has been using it as a
point of reference and for ratings and it is unnecessary as that is not the
true job of the media. The media needs to be asking the hard questions in order
to solve this issue.
STORY
2
With the multiple
shootings and events that have occurred, the coverage that has been done by the
media has been nonstop. As a PR Professional it is wise to be aware of the
different stances being taken as well as what the general public are also
thinking so they can best represent themselves and clients accordingly.
CNN
hosts a debate with David Zurawik, Jamia Wilson and Tomi Lahren in regards to
recent events.
Lahren explains that
Dallas is coming together in support of the Police. She also goes on to say
that while the Black Lives Matters movement was intended to be positive we have
seen some individuals misrepresent the group in a negative, violent way.
Zurawik goes to explain
we are no longer gatekeepers and that social media has to be a part of this
issue. It’s not just everyday people, it’s people literally in the media and
they then later take it down as if that makes it better or okay.
Wilson explains we need
to not give the platform to people who are essentially not doing their jobs
properly.
Lahren and Zurawik debate
in regards to things that should be said, while Zurawik believes it’s okay to
acknowledge them but not let them speak on behalf of their opinion while Lahren
explains it’s a constitution right and just because you don’t like someone’s
opinion does not mean they don’t have the right to voice it and for the other
to actively listen.
In reading these stories, all that comes to mind is that we are all people. I have such a hard time seeing/reading the violence that is taking place on both sides. We as Americans have enough going on against us in the world and it is so sad to see that the turmoil continue within our country. I agree that PR professionals need to be on guard whether they are making statements or creating a plan. Erring on the side of careful must be top of mind.
ReplyDeleteAlison,
DeleteI completely agree. I feel like we spend more time focusing on things that don't really matter when the bottom line is we are human beings despite our differences. I feel not only as a PR professional but also just in general. People run their mouths before thinking and it tends to normally cause issues.
Hi Elissa,
ReplyDeleteI thought your articles were interesting. I found the second one to be very interesting! Many people have considered social media to be a news source for a long time now. You mention, "Wilson explains we need to not give the platform to people who are essentially not doing their jobs properly." Im wondering if this means that she is saying that social media should be regulated more closely? That there should be guidelines as to what we can and cannot post?
Jenna,
DeleteIn the video I do believe that was the intention of that comment. We should regulate what is being said especially if it is in a professional manner, if we are using social media in that setting there should be guidelines of what is said and how things are handled. Just my opinion!
These stories break my heart. Today another shooting occurred and it makes me sick to my stomach. I am so saddened by the world we live in. Officers risk their lives daily to protect ours, and so many citizens don't respect them at all. Wonderful job writing these articles. I know they are tough to read, and even harder to write about.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth,
DeleteI agree entirely. I am so tired of reading and writing about these horrible, horrible events. Additionally, I think the media is just making the situation worse and tensions are extremely high because of how they are covering these stories.
I think the media plays a big role in how we view violence in this country and in other countries as well. We are bombarded by news continuously. Most of our news is within in minutes of it happening. It is a fight between networks and online news media outlets for who can get the news faster and put their own spin on it when they don't even have facts to base heir reports on at that point.This is not going to go away. Actually it will get worse as our appetite for instant media grows with technology. This in turn opens the door for marketing opportunities as we find ourselves searching the social media sites and online news sources all day and everyday thanks to our phones, iPad's and tablets.
ReplyDeleteGreg,
DeleteCertainly agree with you. I feel we do not do an accurate job at portraying what is truly going on. Truly wish we would consider regulations to get a grip on reporting news properly but that task is very large and difficult.
I agree with you that it is important that the media understands how to cover things and that they look at both sides. This was all done well.
ReplyDeleteKenneth,
DeleteThank you! It makes you wonder if we covered things a little different that our world would be different in how we handle situations.