Mass Shootings vs. Scientific Discoveries: A Misalignment

During the conference, the Chief Content Officer of ABC7 in Los Angeles shared his insights on the rapidly shifting news landscape. He detailed the criteria and metrics used to assess which stories make the cut for broadcast. I was surprised to learn that the only hour without news coverage is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Content editors source their stories from various channels: traditional mail, email, social media, and data analytics. Social media, in particular, provides instantaneous feedback and insights on trending stories, which influences news prioritization. These analytics are relayed to senior editors, who decide on the next stories to pursue.

This approach seems logical—prioritize content that is currently trending. If I were in a newsroom, this would likely be an obvious choice given the volume of real-time data available. The digital landscape has fundamentally transformed how news is curated and consumed.

The editor expressed a keen interest in acquiring stories from diverse sources, encouraging submissions from the public. He noted that the station still values exclusive scoops. This point was reiterated during a Q&A session, highlighting the reliance on various inputs to shape news cycles.

However, a question arose during the session regarding how stories are selected. A reporter from the Los Angeles Times stated that she prioritizes stories based on their potential impact—essentially, how they could transform society or capture public interest. This concept, referred to as the "hook," determines whether a story is deemed newsworthy.

She expressed frustration when scientists fail to articulate this "hook" when approached for stories. Initially, I felt that scientists shouldn't be tasked with crafting hooks for their work. However, after reflecting on this, I believe researchers should effectively communicate the significance of their findings to the media.

During the Q&A, I asked the assistant to the Chief Content Officer why scientific stories are infrequently featured in news broadcasts. Why not include profiles of scientists alongside summaries of their research?

Her response was striking. She demonstrated the disparity by comparing a mass shooting story to a recent scientific discovery, suggesting that both must compete for airtime. This revelation was astonishing—I couldn't fathom that a groundbreaking scientific finding would have to vie for attention with a tragedy like a mass shooting.

This comparison seems deeply flawed. Why is it that lighthearted segments like "Pet of the Week" can be featured, while science must compete with such grim news? Why not create a series highlighting scientists and their contributions?

It’s perplexing that news does not differentiate stories based on their content; instead, they are evaluated side by side. This approach seems both astonishing and unjust.

The Constant Nature of Scientific Endeavors

For those involved in scientific research, the process is ongoing rather than sporadic. Discoveries often arise unexpectedly, with many incremental findings contributing to significant advancements. Daily efforts by scientists push the boundaries of knowledge.

Not every breakthrough is sensational; smaller discoveries collectively lead to meaningful progress. In my view, increased media coverage of these incremental advancements would positively reshape public perceptions of science.

Stellar scientists are not created overnight; it's a long-term commitment, often taking years of education and experience. Understanding and appreciating science does not necessitate working in a lab day in and day out.

Thus, equating scientific discoveries with mass shootings is fundamentally misguided. Reporting that exaggerates the importance of specific innovations misleads the public, fostering the misconception that only exceptionally gifted individuals can engage in scientific research.

The adage "Scientific research is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration" rings true. Science unfolds daily, yet news coverage often focuses solely on major breakthroughs, neglecting a wealth of other noteworthy findings. A mass shooting is a tragedy that cannot be compared to any scientific advancement.

Why would a Chief Content Officer believe that both types of stories should be evaluated using the same criteria? This perspective is bewildering and highlights a critical issue.

News outlets must reconsider how they prioritize stories, emphasizing unique content rather than solely trending topics. Audiences deserve comprehensive insights into the world around them. The proliferation of channels in homes reflects a demand for variety in news coverage.

If the news continues to focus exclusively on sensational stories like mass shootings, there will be insufficient coverage of scientific developments. Furthermore, if Chief Content Officers fail to allocate time for scientific reporting, the gap between scientists and the public will continue to widen. This divide is exacerbated by the financial barriers imposed by prominent scientific journals.

Taxpayer funding supports scientific research, and the public is entitled to be informed about these discoveries alongside other significant news.

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