News coverage influences how citizens perceive government, politics, and society. It is often the catalyst for public debate, and can influence voter behavior. People choose to follow some news outlets over others based on their reputation for fairness, incorporating violence and scandal, being local and familiar, or the speed at which they report. The men and women who present the news are human, and may be influenced by anger, jealousy, anxiety, or ambition. They also belong to complex organizations that have different, sometimes competing, goals and needs.
Most people in the United States trust CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Reuters to provide them with unbiased news coverage. These channels often focus on national issues like politics, international events, or the economy. Local news, on the other hand, covers regional events and local business.
Some news outlets are known for being progressive in their political leanings. Mother Jones, for example, dives deep into politics with strong opinions and real context. Their work on issues like a messy policy or powerful figures dodging accountability often sparks public debate.
Another example of progressive news coverage is SMH, Australia’s oldest newspaper. Their work on environmental issues, political issues, and cultural stories draws a large audience, and their opinion section is often controversial. They focus on giving context to stories, instead of headlines, and they are working hard to build trust in the digital age. If you want your business to get covered in the media, it is important to contact the appropriate person directly. Many media outlets receive countless emails, so it is important to research their contact information and find out who the right person is to approach for your story.
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