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As this problematic era divulges further into a mass of unsolved issues, it calls for journalists that have a hardcore determination in pursuing a riveting story.
In a new ABC+ television series called “The Morning Show” released on November 1, 2019, it follows the lives of two women in the broadcast news division; Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston), a broadcast news television co-anchor that wants to provide curated stories in the wake of the world’s overwhelming problems, and her opponent Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon), an up-and-coming die-hard news reporter who wants to bring a humane edge to news stories, especially those that are truthful and honest. The two ambitious and opinionated women are seen navigating their careers as The Morning Show co-hosts, while the company deals with the recent scandal of the previous co-host, Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell).
Although the series is fiction and somewhat satirical, it highlights an important aspect of journalism. Within the unique perspective on Jackson and Levy’s juxtaposed personalities, it reflects on modern journalism in the real world. Should journalism be conservative in order to shield people from disturbing or uncomfortable details? Or should it encompass the entire truth? Nonetheless, the field of journalism have always consisted of a constant debate over the daily news content, the reliability of news sources, the impetuous race for the best headline stories, and the level of truth that each broadcast news company offers to their audience.
Therefore, die-hard journalists such as Bradley Jackson that are willing to uncover the ugly truth should be a part of modern news divisions. Audiences are now searching for news mediums that guarantee 100% transparency with them, without the extra burden of lies, scandals, cover-ups, or curation. Even if news can be often brutal and unpleasant, the purpose of news is to deliver as much of the entire story to viewers as possible.
People have stopped turning on their TVs in the mornings to get the first buzz of daily news — television is an ancient artifact to Gen Z, since they have devices such as MacBooks and smartphones that contain all the news they need in an instance. Despite this tech transition, quality journalism is still in high demand. In “The Morning Show,” the head of the news division Cory Ellison (Billy Crudup) mention a realistic point of view that recognizes the demand for journalism in the light of modern technology. “People get their horrible news delivered to the palm of their hand 24/7, and they get it the way they like it, colored the way they want it. And news is awful, but humanity is addicted to it, and the whole world is depressed by it.” Despite humanity’s relationship with curated information and casually filtered news stories, they continue to expect quality journalism and their news delivered to them on a daily basis. At the end of the day, news exist to inform the public about the problematic circumstances that occur around the world.
On the other hand, many news divisions have considered an integration of entertainment stories, while maintaining a majority of world news or local news. Guest celebrities that capture the attention of social media, compelling interviews on headline topics, and culture news pieces are some examples of showcasing a lighter tone to the broadcast news medium in contrast to the regular news distribution. With the occasional sideline story that is more comfortable and relaxing, viewers can take a break from the stressful intake of current events.
Finally, it is essential to train journalists to have a motivational drive to find a compelling story, and continue to develop reliable and trustworthy journalism.
For more information, go to WashingtonPost.
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