Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Shock and Awe Journalism: How We Feed the Panic Machine

This guest post was written by Andie P., who is currently enrolled in classes through onlineuniversities.net with the goal of receiving her sonogram tech certification.

The outcry is universal. People want less sensationalism. Viewers demand more from their news other than fire, explosions, violence, and misbehaving of celebrities and politician. What do the people then receive? Shock journalism.

How can there be such a disconnect between what people say they want from their news outlets and what the news outlets offer? Are journalists so infatuated by the shock that they report on only the sensationalism without any regard to viewers? Or are there mixed signals from people demanding more newsworthy stories and what they eventually choose to view?

Economics of Journalism

Shock journalism is great for the news industry; it's inexpensive and quick to turn into a news story. Journalists can even use information from a previous story to create a news story to be aired at a later time. This recycling of news is ideal for journalists required to meet a 24-hour news cycle. Previous stories are restructured quickly and with little expense to the network, maximizing profits while still fulfilling the obligation of provided viewers with something new.

Sharing news among networks is also prevalent in the industry. While there is an appearance that journalists are battling one another to get the most exclusive story, notes, sound clips, and images are actually all shared in a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch my back" gesture. According to the University of Southern California-Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, collaborative partnerships commonly occur amongst news gatherers to extend financial resources. Journalists share information to ensure good favor with other journalists on the next event. This action limits the amount of coverage with all journalists using the same information.

Why Viewers Tune In?

The shallow, mass-produced shock journalism stories stimulate just enough interest to keep people captivated. Christopher Peterson and Martin E.P. Seligman, in the article "Values in Action (VIA) Classifications of Strengths," explain that as shock journalism intrigues a viewer, the story is incomplete. The viewer is left with an empty feeling. Rather than being turned away by such a draining story, the viewer acts in contrary; they are supplied with such limited information that they demand more. Journalists only report enough to keep viewers interested. Viewers are then coerced to incorporate their own analysis in an attempt to complete the story, but they're never satisfied because they don't have the real answers. When the viewer becomes an active participant in the new story, journalists are sufficiently doing their job in shock journalism. Viewers that are active participants signify a want for more, even though more will never be enough.

A recent example of shock journalism is the proliferation of Charlie Sheen in the news. After last year's accusation of threatening his wife, Brooke Mueller, with a knife, the actions of Sheen continue to dominate the headlines. Sheen's $500 thousand splurge on escorts and drugs, and his erratic behavior on the "Two and a Half Men" set has been well documented by journalists. A report on the troubles of a celebrity like Sheen is the ultimate example of shock journalism. People's interest is quickly grasped because it is a celebrity story; Sheen's troubles only encourage the viewers' attention. The reoccurrence of Sheen in the news supplies journalists the opportunity to incorporate past occurrences in recent news events. Viewers insist a resolution as to why Sheen, with so much money and popularity, is behaving in such a manner. Journalists continue feeding the viewer's intrigue with just enough information while supplying little resolution.

Shock journalism is a self-perpetuating engine that feeds off of human curiosity and want for every event to be resolved. Only when viewers realize that shock journalism offers nothing more than information scraps will journalists begin reporting a news story that is as in-depth as it is important.

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Bass and Associates, Jacksonville Florida

The following was written by Consumer Advocate, Anthony Lemons:
Quote:
I am warning my readers of an online payday loan company and their so-called collection agency. The name of the collection company, which is based in Jacksonville, Florida, is BASS AND ASSOCIATES. This is not to be confused with the legitimate Bass and Associates. The company I am speaking of stole the name of two real companies located in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska. You can not find the company I am writing about, through the Internet. Allow me to explain why the fake company are crooks. A friend of mine was short of cash a few months ago, so she applied for an online loan with a company calling themselves; ARROWHEAD INVESTMENTS, another company which can not be located on the web. They deposited the amount into her checking account. Over a short period of time, the loan was repaid, using a method allowing for the loan company to withdraw the amount owed. However, and this is where it gets crooked, the loan company continued to withdraw money, without authorization. Pretty soon, the only option, which the bank informed her of, was to close the account all together, to cease anymore stealing of her money. She thought that it was over at last. It wasn't quite over, since she received a call recently, at her work from Kelly, an employee of BASS AND ASSOCIATES, the fake company. This Kelly, who lacks a last name, went on to state that they were filing motions in a court of law, and that she better get an attorney, and that she will be arrested due to committing bank fraud, check fraud and an array of other white collar crimes, unless of course, she wire money within the hour to their account. I received a frantic, tearful call from my friend, relaying what was told to her. She left work early, in tears and in complete anguish. I personally called this company back to investigate their claims and to have them restate the ramifications which they stated to her. The 'boss', DAVID JACOBS, refused to repeat their threats to me. I then asked for their fax number so that I can send them a letter stating to never contact my friend again, unless it is through a mediation organization. This Mr. Jacobs, refused to share their contact information. During the conversation, he referred to me as a moron. Very professional? No way. So, today, I contacted the Florida Attorney Generals Office and shared with them the actions of BASS AND ASSOCIATES. I was informed by the A.G. office, that this particular company is already under investigation. If anyone is interested in calling this company, perhaps to just ask how the weather is in Jacksonville, the number is as follows: 1-877-281-2220. Also, ask for Mr. Jacobs or Kelly.I ask all readers to call at least once, and tell them how you read all about them on my site. If you have dealt with this company also, let me know. I am not a friend of organizations who intimidate or harass hard working people. If you have information to add to this story, let me know, even your own dealings with certain collection agencies. Your thoughts? P.S. DAVID JACOBS, you are a loser who will one day get what is legally coming to you, and I will see that it happens. It won't matter how many times you change the name of your company, or that you know anyone from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. I told Mr. Jacobs to Google my name, and so far, he has had my name Googled four times from New Jersey. I am recording the Internet Address, which is: 70.91.149. I imagine that these crooks use a router to throw people off of their trail. Trust me, the Banking and commerce regulators and Attorney Generals from two states are involved with this case. You crook. Information on this 'company': Bass and Associates (name stolen from a real company in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska, not legitimate name) Names given during calls: David Jacobs,Kelly, no last name given, and Paul Rodriguez (may also be alias names) Known phone number: 1-877-281-2220 (Phone number may also change, for concealing and relocating purposes, well used practice of crooked companies) David Jacobs mobile phone: 1-904-982-0091 (This number is on his answering machine voice mail) Physical address of crooks, given to me by Florida Attorney Generals Office: 314 West 44th Jacksonville, Florida 32208 (This address is the one on file in the state of Florida, subject to change, I'm sure.) This is a link to many others who have had this same crooked company threaten them: Forum which shares dealings with these thieves The following information was obtained through the Better Business Bureau: Quote: Bass and Associates 9378 Arlington Expressway Suite 323 Jacksonville, FL 32225 MAP General Information BBB File Opened September 27, 2006 BBB Member This company is not a member Type of Business Collection Agencies The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources. Customer Experience Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s). Customer Complaint Data The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed. Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in September 2006: 13 Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 13 Complaints Concerned: Service Issues (8 complaints) 5 Resolved 1 Delayed Resolution 2 Company did not respond Credit or Billing Disputes (4 complaints) 2 Resolved 1 Unresolved 1 Delayed Resolution Contract Disputes (1 complaints) 1 Delayed Resolution Additional File Information According to information in BBB files 9378 Arlington Expressway, is The UPS Store, and not an actual office for this collection agency. Licensing Information This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. Additional Information This Business Operates under the Names Bass and Associates Addresses 9378 Arlington Expressway, Suite 323, Jacksonville, FL 32225 MAP Phones (877) 281-2224, x317 Reported on Thursday, January 11, 2007 As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time. The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report. Â© 2007 BBB of Northeast Florida UPDATE: Bass and Associates are sued by Florida Attorney General's Office. If you are still receiving threatening calls from these crooks, file an online complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Office immediately. Here is the newspaper article: debt collectors sued for $1.3 million A Jacksonville agency was probed after 130 complaints were filed. By J. Taylor Rushing, Capital Bureau Chief TALLAHASSEE - A Jacksonville debt collection agency was sued for more than $1.3 million Monday by State Attorney General Bill McCollum on claims the agency was impersonating attorneys and state officials, threatening arrests and collecting excessive fees. A Times-Union special report: The lawsuit was filed in Duval County against Bass Prelitigation Services Inc.; a related company, Jackson Phillips & Associates; and the owners of both firms, Frank and Evelyn Jackson. It seeks an unknown amount in restitution payments plus $1.3 million in penalties, or $10,000 for each violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, plus dissolution of the companies and a permanent injunction against future collection businesses. The Times-Union did not receive a response to two messages left with company receptionists Monday. A total of 130 complaints about the company have been received by the attorney general's Economic Crimes Division since January 2006, with most coming since October. Investigators opened a probe in November. McCollum's lawsuit claims the company knew it was being investigated, yet continued its "abusive tactics." "Consumers under financial burdens deserve our protection and consideration, not the predatory nature of these allegations," McCollum said in a statement. According to the lawsuit, those tactics included sending employees to pose as government investigators; extorting money from consumers by threatening arrest; claiming and collecting excessive payments; and abusing or harassing consumers, such as calling them at work. All are illegal under state law. (850) 224-7515