"The one function that TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were"

TV news, it seems, has a knack for making every little thing feel like it's the end of the world. Even when there's nothing groundbreaking happening, they still manage to crank up the drama like there's no tomorrow. It's all about grabbing your attention, right?

Now, let’s dive a bit into the history here. Imagine back in the day when TV news was just getting started. Think of the 1960s and 70s. There was this huge shift from getting your news from newspapers and radios to these vibrant TV screens. It was a big deal. Newsrooms wanted to keep viewers glued to their sets, and one way to do that was to pump up the volume on everything they reported. It didn't matter if it was some minor local event or a major international crisis – everything got the same flashy treatment.

Picture this: a small town’s annual pie-eating contest. In reality, it’s just a fun event where folks get together, eat pie, and have a good time. But on TV, the anchors are there with their grave voices, slick graphics, and dramatic music. Suddenly, it feels like the fate of the world hinges on who wins the blueberry pie contest. It’s kind of ridiculous when you think about it, but that’s TV news for you. They’re experts at turning the mundane into the monumental.

So, what can you do with this little nugget of wisdom? First off, don’t take everything you see on TV news at face value. Just because they’re treating a story with the same seriousness as a major crisis doesn't mean it actually is one. Do a bit of your own digging. Check out multiple sources. Sometimes you gotta be your own journalist.

Imagine this scenario: You wake up one morning, groggy and reaching for your coffee. You flip on the TV, and there’s a reporter breathlessly announcing that a new study found that drinking coffee could potentially be harmful. You panic, coffee cup frozen halfway to your lips. But wait – don't dump that cup just yet! Take a deep breath. Maybe take a quick look online at what other news outlets are saying. Chances are, it's not as dire as it's made out to be. Maybe the study was small, or the risks are only relevant if you drink absurd amounts of coffee (like, 20 cups a day). Context is everything.

Here’s a little story to illustrate. My friend Sarah, loves her morning runs. One day, a news segment comes on about a rare disease that can be contracted from running outside in certain conditions. They make it sound like every jogger is at risk. Sarah freaks out – almost hangs up her running shoes. But, instead of giving up, she decides to do some research. Turns out, the disease is incredibly rare, and conditions have to be just right for contraction. Relieved, Sarah keeps running, just a bit more mindful of the conditions.

The lesson here? Don’t let TV news dictate your reality. They’re in the business of keeping you watching, and sometimes that means making mountains out of molehills. Stay curious, stay informed, but don't let yourself get swept up in the drama. You got this!