News shapes our world. News can create different perspectives on the same issues based on how it is presented. It can tell us what subjects to think about and disregard others by not giving them equal coverage. This can happen with national news and international news. International news is key to educating oneself on the on goings of the world. It can help educate people on other cultures. A lack of that news can lead to warped perspectives and create a barrier between cultures. Equal coverage of international and national news would be better for us all.
Agenda Setting Theory refers to the media’s power to influence it’s audience. This theory states that the media tells us what to think about. The media also does not reflect reality rather it shapes reality meaning that an agenda can be set and give viewers a warped perspective on reality. Essentially, reality can be whatever the media wants it to be, so long as the viewer is paying attention to it. This gives the media massive power and influence.
Pew research indicates that 87% of global medians follow national news whereas only 57% indicate they follow international news. If the media decides to set that agenda to local and national news over international news, then it’s viewers will assume that those issues are more important than others. Naturally it makes sense that one would be more interested in local or national news as it geographically is the area immediately around them. The problem with this being the only focus is that it creates an isolated world view. The isolated world view can lead to misunderstanding and general lack of knowledge about what is going on in other countries. This can lead to a lack of understanding of relevant cultural issues outside one’s own reality.
Warped perspectives on the world can create communication barriers between cultures. If people do not understand other cultures well and have a lack of knowledge about issues within those cultures, there can be a wall between those groups. Lack of knowledge can create disregard and insensitivity towards on going issues in other cultures or countries. Even worse, biased news towards others cultures could lead to fear and disdain for other cultures or countries due to warped perspectives from media coverage. These problems do not allow for smooth intercultural mingling.
Media coverage should include more international news. More international news will lead to a more interconnected world. An increase in international news will advance the process of globalization. A more interconnected people will be more willing to unite and work together towards something. If people are more connected with other cultures they can have a better understanding of there issues, beliefs, and ideologies. This broader perspective could create more empathy and understanding between different groups.
One thing that should be kept in check with more international news coverage is bias. Bias can be dangerous as it can also lead to warped perspectives. Biases can create cultural narratives and lead to clashing perspectives which will only lead to more disconnect between people. Pew research indicates that people want more unbiased news.
News has the potential to connect and unite us across different countries and cultures. Sadly, it can also isolate us and disconnect us just as easily as it can unite us. News media has a responsibility to represent different places and people all around the world. Keeping us connected as humans is important in order to obtain a broader and more knowledgeable worldview.