This is starting to bug me (Stupid News Tricks)

[Monorail_Red]

Well with WDW being as big of a park as it is...obviously things will make the news. There's no two ways around that.

It's just been bugging me lately that whenever there is a news article or video clip about WDW...it never fails, the local news will almost always mention the monorail crash to end the article or wrap up the video clip.

When is it that finally...enough is enough? We know it happened. If reporting on any malfunction or any other larger WDW non-promotional news story...end the feature with something else for a change.

"...this came just a few (weeks, months, etc.) after the July 5th Monorail Crash..."

I mean I know it's common for related news stories to mention each other...but it just seems like most of the WDW things that have made the news lately not only with reference to what happened back in July...but they throw most of or a good chunk of the story in there. Why?

:mad:

</rant>

[darph nader]

Media whores??

[kurtisnelson]

Its been bugging me too. "Disney announces new promotion after monorail crash"

[SpeedFreak]

Monorails are attention grabbers. They make money. It's why Disney keeps them around, and unfortunately the same way Monorails make Disney money, then can grab people's attention towards that article. More people clicking on that link means more advertisement gets done, which means they make more money.

In your example, the word "monorail" is the most interesting part. As a guest, would you read "Disney announces new promotion" if you don't plan to go soon? Well what if there's a promotion that (according to the story title at least) Disney is releasing because of the monorail crash? The guest's curiosity is spiked, which causes them to click the link and read the article.

It's all about the money.

[kurtisnelson]

It's all about the money.

Which is why we should have government controlled news.
</sarcasm>
Someone actually was arguing that the other day when complaining about FOX.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

like a PP said, it catches your attention.

I also think that the writers do a quick google when finishing their article so that they can have the reader start clicking on other news articles that talk about newsworthy events.

The fact that it was such a rare occurrence does make it unique.

you also notice that they never do that when talking about incidents on aircraft, for the most part.

[Big Wallaby]

The other day with the electrical short, WESH did a story that was the last straw. The first two short paragraphs (technically not paragraphs, one sentence each) were about the current issue, followed by a half-page rehash of July 5. Yes, I think they love that it happened, and they love the fact that someone died. I think that they would love to see it again. The local television media here is filled with truly sick, psychopathic individuals.

Over the next several days, I have a great opportunity. My parents are arriving in town this afternoon, and they will have access to Cable. Little Wallaby and I don't watch TV, so we don't have it. Gotta say, we're happier for it. However, we will be staying with them, and I will be watching their station for a couple days in order to make my boycott list. Ooh, did I just say the "B" word? Yes, I did. And I will be letting the station know why, as well as their advertisers.

I bet a lot of Cast Members would be interested in joining me in boycotting their advertisers.

If you guys would like the list, I would be happy to put it up here.

The other stations have been bad too, but WESH has definitely been the most celebratory regarding the wreck. So they are the ones I will go after first.

[Monorail_Red]

The other day with the electrical short, WESH did a story that was the last straw.

That's EXACTLY what triggered me creating this thread. I saw a few of the stories but it was the WESH one that really bugged me.

One more thing...how do they keep acquiring the shots from the news helicopters? I thought that WDW was a no fly zone.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

The other day with the electrical short, WESH did a story that was the last straw. The first two short paragraphs (technically not paragraphs, one sentence each) were about the current issue, followed by a half-page rehash of July 5. Yes, I think they love that it happened, and they love the fact that someone died. I think that they would love to see it again. The local television media here is filled with truly sick, psychopathic individuals.

Over the next several days, I have a great opportunity. My parents are arriving in town this afternoon, and they will have access to Cable. Little Wallaby and I don't watch TV, so we don't have it. Gotta say, we're happier for it. However, we will be staying with them, and I will be watching their station for a couple days in order to make my boycott list. Ooh, did I just say the "B" word? Yes, I did. And I will be letting the station know why, as well as their advertisers.

I bet a lot of Cast Members would be interested in joining me in boycotting their advertisers.

If you guys would like the list, I would be happy to put it up here.

The other stations have been bad too, but WESH has definitely been the most celebratory regarding the wreck. So they are the ones I will go after first.

I applaud your convictions.

However, I would offer you a bit of advice. Having had to deal with the media, at times, over the last 35 years I have noted several things about these creatures.

first, there is no such thing as "off the record" if you say that to them, you will become "an un-named source" and usually misquoted to support their point of view. You would have to come forward to correct the information, and that is usually what they want.

second, never mind the details, they will get it wrong at some point.

third, ANY kind of controversy will sell the news (either papers or t.v. viewership) and most "newer" reporters are the most dangerous, as they have visions of advancement with that "one good story" that goes national! (plus visions of awards, etc.)

In initiating a boycott, you may end up with the opposite effect you are trying to achieve. It may bring more scrutiny to the subject matter, and by extension, to the employees speaking out.

(didn't the boycott of WDW over gay days, by a religious group have little or no effect?)

I was under the impression you were advised to not talk about it by management. That, even sideways slant, to the situation may violate that admonishment. (in their view)

Don't get me wrong, I wish you all well, but I have seen good people "burned" by media types before. The net effect was that they ended their carreer.

good luck.

[SpeedFreak]

One more thing...how do they keep acquiring the shots from the news helicopters? I thought that WDW was a no fly zone.

I thought the same thing, as the Kingdom and Epcot are no fly zones. Apparently, a parking lot across a lake from the Kingdom doesn't enjoy the same privileges. Doesn't make too much sense to me, but whatever.

BW, I wouldn't mind a list. If we can pull their advertisement revenue a bit it will really hurt them.