- Apply the Critical Process: Description, Analysis, Interpretation, Evaluation, Engagement. How do you know this is a credible source? Why is it worth sharing or not sharing? Finally, what is the importance of understanding digital media and where a story comes from in today’s media landscape? Do we do it well as consumers?
This is as juicy as a story about a business being sold as it gets. It involves a sex scandal, the president, the wealthiest man in the world, and shopping market tabloid. Bloomberg News is known more for it’s business coverage. So this story focuses on the economics of “National Enquirer” being sold, such as who publishes it (American Media), who’s the financial backer (Catham, a hedgefund), and the reasons for the sale (Bezos sex scandal, President Trump coverup), and also goes in what the future American Media might be (it’s new focus on fitness and lifestyle magazines), and what it’s finances are like (the company is losing money).
Because Bloomberg is a business-oriented website, I find it not unusual that the writer zeroes in on the business side of the story. Other outlets such as CNN and the New York Times focus more on the scandals that engulfed the tabloid and then write about the sale. And nothing about the state of the company or its financials.
After reading the story and others, I believe it is credible as the writer cites several people connected to the sale and link to past stories with easy to follow links. I feel while the regular person might not care about the financials or economics behind the possible sale, they would be drawn in by the headline “National Enquirer for sale”. Everyone has seen the tabloid in the supermarker asisle and that’s why other news outlets are diligently pushing this story and their versions contain more information about the scandals and problems that are leading to the sale.
It’s important to understand the digital media and the way it’s presented as this one story about the National Enquirer being up for sale can be posted and written about several different ways. Bloomberg takes a very cut and dry approach to the story but other outlets decide to go for the more sensational version. It’s up the consumer/reader to pick.
I don’t believe consumers do adequate job of looking for other sources. It’s very easy to get into our echo chambers and just hear and read stories that re-enforce our own views instead of looking for opposing sources. It’s human nature to want to be reassured and see their world view supported.
Anthony R. Leong 