IELTS essay sample: Should media give more importance to good stories?

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Have we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

Sample response

Generally speaking, it is the editor of a newspaper or television channel that decides which news should be published or aired. Some people argue that news editors have their own selfish motives. There are also people who feel that media should stop giving undue importance to negative news. In their opinion, feel-good stories should be given more coverage. I agree with this view.

Editors use various criteria to determine the news value of events. They want to reach as many people as possible. Consequently sensational stories are given more preference. In the television industry the chief concern of editors and production managers is to increase the TRP of their shows. Newspaper editors want to increase their circulation. Unfortunately, in this mad rush to acquire more readers and viewers they forget their commitment to the society.

Tough competition exists in the media sector. They are all vying to attract the same readers and viewers. So, sometimes they even publish false stories to create sensation. Some reporters and editors have political affiliations. They will not write anything against their party even when the leaders of that party commit crimes. There are also some media professionals who blackmail corrupt politicians and media tycoons for money. For example, in India four states went to the polls recently. A major party that contested in these polls gave money to a popular channel to publish news in favour of it.

Media is one of the four pillars of a democratic country. It has a responsibility to the society. Unfortunately, some media houses are only interested in their welfare. They don’t care about the problems plaguing the society. Instead, they give more preference to celebrity gossips. Obscene and violent content is published with graphic images to attract more eyeballs. Instead of these stories they could publish information about government schemes for the poor. They also need to uncover the various scams that ruin the growth of the country.

To conclude, media persons should have some ethics. They need to follow a moral code. They should be aware of their roles and responsibilities and guide the nation to a better tomorrow.

 

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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