If you are overloaded with information about a musical icon’s sudden death, don’t get mad at the media. It’s a consumer-driven business and we will attempt to explain the human condition known as real news appeal.

First, one must understand why bad news triumphs over good (this is practical experience and opinion, not science). It all revolves around the “me” factor.  If it’s bad news, the viewer must subconsciously think, “Thank goodness it’s not me,” and gravitate to the information.  Conversely, if it’s good news, the viewer subconsciously thinks, “Who cares? It’s not me.”  Another’s goodness or good fortune is therefore not nearly as deeply, fundamentally appealing.  So good news sounds good in theory, but is never the draw people think it might be. (That is more fact than theory. Name a successful all-good news show.)

How many times have you heard someone say they won’t watch the news because it is too negative?  Yet, someone like Michael Jackson suddenly dies and the coverage is non-stop, with viewers around the world glued to every development. Which brings up another matter.

So-called experts are saying we’ve heard enough on all things MJ.  Even if that’s the case, don’t expect the flow of information to stop anytime soon.  News organizations from around the world are crippled by current economic conditions. The slightest developments in the Michael Jackson story will make headlines, sell papers, and draw viewers. News organizations may be using the current state of affairs to offset losses.

Of course, no self-respecting news professional will admit that. It’s always about furthering the story and not the bottom line. It’s a terrible way to make gains, but the current state of economic affairs has the whole news industry scrambling to find ways to stay in business. Even if Jackson developments weren’t in demand, news organizations would be hard pressed let it fade away.

M. Brace Coines-RLTV.com