Comments on: Why Small Things Get Big Attention

By: Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:21:26 +0000

There is little doubt that journalists are part of the problem.

However, I will say, being the capitalist that I am, that news (TV, radio, print, web-based, whatever) give the people what they want.

My guess is that a serious discussion of the broader details would get lousy ratings.

And really, the press follows often what the public reacts to---the public sees the bonus issues and the press is more than happy to cover it.

Heck, even in normal times people would prefer to see news about kidnappings and shark attacks than what Congress is doing what is going on the wider world.

I am always reminded that the major news story just prior to 9/11 was the Condit/Levy business--and there is no way in the world that was the most important news of that day. And yet, that's what people wanted to watch (depressing as that may be).

By: Steve Plunk

Steve Plunk — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:39:22 +0000

Do these complex issues overwhelm professional journalists? Isn't they who play up or play down stories? With some stories don't they attempt to educate at least partly (think global warming)?

I just can't blame the masses when the professional journalists are failing us so badly.

By: PoliBlog: A Rough Draft of my Thoughts » Hey, Mister Tally Man, Tally me Banana (all $2 Million Worth)

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:27:56 +0000

[...] since it is easier to understand complex problem via smaller, easier to understand examples: The cocaine totaled 28 kilos, or 61.7 pounds, police [...]

By: odograph

odograph — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:01:19 +0000

We should have at least one line about the structural problem these bonuses may represent. Taleb called it "heads I win, tails you lose." Actually I think Hamilton and Taleb are on the same page on this, the reason I'd thrown 2 or 3 links to the Hamilton piece earlier this week.

By: sam

sam — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:34:30 +0000

Ever was it thus. See

War of Jenkin's Ear