Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

StarzGuy

(254 posts)
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 12:57 PM Aug 2018

When is coverage of a death too much?

I'm just asking the question. Over the top coverage of some well known person can cause problems when what happens is wall to wall 24/7 coverage. I try not to watch news broadcasts and other programming when this happens like now. Seeing so much coverage can had a debilitating effect on those of us who experience depression. Death isn't a good topic to spend any time on.

So, before you flame me for my views please understand that not all of the rest of us share your outrage. Keep it sane.
Love,
John

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,066 posts)
1. Every minute of air time given over to McCain on cable news is a knife in Trump's gut.
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:01 PM
Aug 2018

The accolades for McCain are sticking in his craw and driving him nuts, so bring it on, the more coverage the better. Those who are annoyed or depressed by it should turn it off, of course; but I'm enjoying the hell out of what it's doing to Dolt 45.

Rorey

(8,441 posts)
7. It's probably what precipitated his rant about Google
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:08 PM
Aug 2018

He was probably searching to see what nice things people would say about him when he kicks the bucket.

"nice bone spurs"

"unique shade of orange"

"best liar"

etc.

BannonsLiver

(16,133 posts)
2. so turn the channel
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:05 PM
Aug 2018

I've have multiple "breaks" of a week or more from the news during the Trump cabal. Read a book, go for a walk, listen to music, there are a myriad of things one can do rather than park their eyeballs in front of cable news 24-7.

Rorey

(8,441 posts)
3. For me, it was over the top with Prince's death
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:06 PM
Aug 2018

In the current case, I see the silver lining in knowing that it's an irritation to -45. I'm sure it's a big issue for him because he watches SO MUCH television.

As for myself, I just don't watch when it starts getting repetitive, even if I'm interested in the topic.

Just do what's best for YOU.

nolabear

(41,901 posts)
5. Too much for one is not enough for another. Depressing for one is therapeutic for another.
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:06 PM
Aug 2018

I understand and respect the problem, and hope those who are depressed by the coverage can find the will to turn it off and look for things that help ameliorate it.

For me, it’s helpful. It reminds me there is great respect for people who are far different from 45 and our government and country are full of people who share it. It reminds me there’s another way we can still be.

Hope you find ways to get above the fray.

FSogol

(45,312 posts)
6. If you are seeing 24/7 coverage, it is because you are plugged in 24/7. Unplug and find something
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:08 PM
Aug 2018

else to do. I hope you see this as I intended; healthful advice and not as a flame.

Rorey

(8,441 posts)
9. Personally, I found that getting rid of cable helps a lot
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:11 PM
Aug 2018

I'm down to the bare minimum, so we have no MSNBC or CNN, and best of all, no FoxNews!

I've considered upgrading to a better package, but every one of them has FoxNews. So, nope. (Because my husband would watch it.)

Hekate

(89,974 posts)
8. As Mr. Rogers told his audience of little kids: If it makes you sad or scared, Turn It Off.
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:10 PM
Aug 2018

Wise words.

Claritie Pixie

(2,199 posts)
10. People need to practice self-care and yes, if you can't handle it, don't watch.
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:11 PM
Aug 2018

Bottom line - we have a 1st Amendment - it’s not ok to set rules on what tv news channels or online news reports and how often. That includes Fox news, they’re protected too.

If Trump had his way, he would censor all news of McCain’s death.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
11. Whenever I find myself thinking that something is getting too much media
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:12 PM
Aug 2018

coverage, I go find something else to do with my time. That works a treat.

matt819

(10,749 posts)
13. What is too much?
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:16 PM
Aug 2018

Anyone have stats on media coverage of Ted Kennedy's death? Prince? Barbara Bush? Etc. Categorized by news, op-eds, blog posts, tv and cable news reports and commentaries, etc. Also categorized by how long it lasted.

Lots of data points needed to determine whether the coverage of McCain's death is less, more, about the same.

Too much can only be taken in context to similar coverage of other deaths.

And how much of this coverage is due to trump and his buffonishness? Flag up, flag down, petulance, and distractions. Take that out of the equation, and we might have a different view.

IMO, I would say that it's too much, but what bugs me more is the fawning adulation. Notwithstanding his own self-descriptor - maverick - he was a rock solid Republican for 50 years. Sure, there was compromise on legislation over the years, but there was no wholesale maverickness to his voting record. Even though Obama will be giving a eulogy, etc., McCain's defense of Obama to that crazy lady was lukewarm. He gave us Palin. And he was not saintly in his personal life. Maybe that's what it means to be human, regardless of political affiliation.

Just my two cents on a quiet afternoon.

 

janterry

(4,429 posts)
15. Aren't we doing this *because* of Trump?
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 01:20 PM
Aug 2018

We need a hero. A good news hero. I know that McCain wasn't perfect (shoot, he was a republican - and I'm for sure not!)

But he stands closer to the 'ideal' of what this country stands for - than Trump.

So, in that respect, we are lionizing him because we're stuck with our orange 'snake.'

We need something to look up to.........

Response to StarzGuy (Original post)

Bradshaw3

(7,448 posts)
17. Turned the tv off for a week after Reagan died
Tue Aug 28, 2018, 02:08 PM
Aug 2018

It was just ridiculous this very flawed president and man got that much adoration.

Like others said, the good aspect here is that it shivs drumpf where he lives: in his bigly inflated ego.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»When is coverage of a dea...