The Impact of Limited Coverage on Independent News and Consumer Concerns

In an era dominated by digital platforms and online information sharing, the role of independent news organizations and reporters in bringing to light critical consumer concerns has been pivotal. However, an alarming trend has emerged where search engines and social media platforms are reducing the coverage of these independent voices, resulting in a potential threat to informed public discourse and consumer empowerment. This article delves into the ramifications of reduced coverage and sheds light on the concerns raised by the public regarding limited access to significant independent news stories. Most recently here in August 2023, there is a buzz on social media where claims of both Google and DuckDuckGo taking steps to derank, or simply pull from any search results, anything dealing with independent media outlets. While this certainly would be devastating to free speech and the 1st Amendment rights of those publishing their news stories, this would become the dividing straw that would break the camel’s back once and for all with 50% of consumers worldwide.

The Power of Independent News and Consumer Concerns: Independent news organizations and reporters have traditionally acted as the watchdogs of society, uncovering stories that major media outlets might overlook. They have been crucial in highlighting issues that resonate with the public, ranging from environmental crises and corporate malpractices to political corruption and public health concerns. These stories not only inform but also empower citizens to take action and demand accountability. A few examples are listed below.

1. The Ice Bucket Challenge: A Cold Splash of Charity

In the summer of 2014, a seemingly simple idea sparked a global phenomenon that raised awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Independent reporter Peter Frates, who was battling ALS himself, started the “Ice Bucket Challenge” to encourage people to pour a bucket of ice water over their heads and share the video on social media. What began as a grassroots campaign quickly gained traction, with celebrities, athletes, and everyday individuals joining in. The challenge not only raised over $220 million for ALS research but also shed light on a lesser-known disease and united people worldwide in a collective cause.

2. Kony 2012: Igniting a Movement against an African Warlord

In 2012, a 30-minute video created by filmmaker and activist Jason Russell turned the spotlight on Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda. The video, titled “Kony 2012,” aimed to raise awareness about Kony’s crimes, including child abduction and use as child soldiers. The video went viral on social media platforms, garnering millions of views within days. While the campaign received both praise and criticism for its simplistic narrative, it succeeded in bringing international attention to a long-standing issue and led to increased pressure on governments and institutions to address the LRA’s actions.

3. #MeToo: Unmasking Widespread Sexual Harassment

In 2017, actress Alyssa Milano tweeted a simple request: “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.” This tweet ignited the #MeToo movement, which had originally been coined by activist Tarana Burke in 2006. The movement gained immense traction on social media, with millions of women and men sharing their experiences of sexual harassment and assault. Independent stories of harassment shared by everyday individuals merged into a powerful collective voice, highlighting the pervasiveness of the issue across industries and inspiring a global conversation about consent, equality, and accountability.

4. The Arab Spring: Citizen Journalism Shaping Political Change

The Arab Spring, a series of uprisings and protests across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010-2011, saw the significant impact of citizen journalism in shaping the course of events. Ordinary citizens armed with smartphones documented and shared images, videos, and accounts of the protests, police crackdowns, and political upheaval. These independent reports bypassed traditional media gatekeepers and offered a raw, unfiltered view of the situation on the ground. The power of citizen journalism was exemplified in the case of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor in Tunisia whose self-immolation in protest against police harassment sparked nationwide outrage and set off a chain reaction of protests.

5. David Dao and United Airlines: Passenger Rights in the Spotlight

In 2017, a video captured by a fellow passenger on a United Airlines flight went viral, showing Dr. David Dao being forcibly removed from an overbooked flight. The incident brought attention to the issue of passenger rights and the questionable practices of airlines when handling overbooked flights. The video, which spread across social media platforms, prompted a public outcry, leading to increased scrutiny of airline policies and a heightened awareness of passenger rights. The incident underscored the power of individual eyewitnesses armed with smartphones to hold corporations accountable for their actions.

6. James O’Keefe and Project Veritas: Exposing Political Bias

James O’Keefe, an independent conservative journalist, gained prominence through his organization Project Veritas, which aims to uncover corruption, political bias, and unethical practices within institutions. In 2019, Project Veritas released a series of undercover videos showing employees of tech giant Google allegedly discussing efforts to manipulate search results and influence public opinion. These videos sparked debates about online censorship, ideological bias, and the power of tech companies to shape information access. O’Keefe’s work continues to be both praised for its investigative journalism and criticized for potential selective editing.

7. Benghazi Attack and Citizen Journalism: Unearthing Government Accountability

The 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, led to an independent investigation by a range of individuals, including conservative reporters and citizen journalists. Their inquiries uncovered discrepancies in the initial narrative provided by government officials regarding the nature of the attack and the response. Independent journalists like Sharyl Attkisson investigated the incident and raised questions about transparency, accountability, and potential political motivations behind the handling of the attack. The relentless pursuit of the truth by these individuals highlighted the role of independent reporting in scrutinizing government actions.

In each of these examples, the power of independent reporters or everyday individuals to spark stories that resonate with the public and drive change is evident. Through the reach of social media and the viral nature of these narratives, issues that might have remained confined to local circles gained global attention, resulting in significant impact and influencing societal conversations. These stories highlight the potential for grassroots movements to effect change in a digital age where the public’s voice can no longer be easily silenced.

The Changing Landscape: Limited Coverage by Digital Giants: However, the digital age has brought about a shift in how news is disseminated and consumed. Search engines and social media platforms, often seen as gatekeepers of information, have the ability to dictate which stories reach the masses. Algorithms designed to curate content based on user preferences and engagement can inadvertently sideline independent news stories that might not generate the same level of clicks or interactions as sensationalized content. This certainly is not an optimum way for consumers to find what they may be seeking online, when the narrative “search results” are driven or controlled by an SEO algorithm that was designed or based upon any form of bias or partisan point of view. This is why community organizations such as FarSuperior is always finding new and innovative ways to return search results that are value added and non bias.

Public Concerns Over Limited Access: The reduction in coverage of independent news stories has ignited a wave of public concern, and rightfully so. Here are some key concerns raised by the public regarding limited access to crucial independent news coverage:

1. Loss of Diverse Perspectives: Independent news organizations provide diverse viewpoints that counterbalance mainstream narratives. Reduced coverage results in a narrower spectrum of information, stifling public discourse and preventing well-rounded understanding.
2. Diminished Accountability: Investigative reporting by independent journalists often uncovers wrongdoings that demand accountability from those in power. When these stories are marginalized, the checks and balances on powerful entities weaken, potentially allowing unethical practices to persist.
3. Threat to Democracy: Informed citizens are essential for a thriving democracy. Limited access to independent news impedes citizens’ ability to make informed decisions, potentially skewing the democratic process.
4. Consumer Disempowerment: Many consumer concerns stem from issues such as product safety, environmental impact, and corporate transparency. Independent news plays a critical role in raising awareness about these concerns and empowering consumers to make informed choices. Limited coverage erodes this empowerment.
5. Echo Chambers and Polarization: Algorithms that tailor content to individual preferences can lead to echo chambers, where individuals are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This contributes to polarization and prevents open dialogue.

Overcoming the Challenges: Addressing the concerns raised by limited coverage of independent news stories requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders:

1. Transparency in Algorithms: Search engines and social media platforms should be more transparent about the algorithms they use to curate content. This transparency can help users understand why certain stories are prioritized over others.
2. Media Literacy Education: Promoting media literacy is crucial to empowering consumers to critically evaluate the information they encounter. By equipping individuals with the skills to discern reliable sources, the impact of limited coverage can be mitigated.
3. Support for Independent Journalism: Public and private funding should be directed towards supporting independent journalism. Initiatives that provide grants, fellowships, and resources to independent reporters can ensure that their crucial work continues to thrive.
4. Diverse Information Sources: Individuals should actively seek out diverse sources of information beyond their social media feeds. By diversifying their information intake, consumers can counteract the potential echo chamber effect.

Conclusion: A Call for Balance and Responsibility: As digital platforms continue to reshape the way we access information, it is imperative to strike a balance between convenience and responsible information dissemination. Independent news organizations and reporters play an essential role in addressing consumer concerns and upholding democratic values. By acknowledging the concerns raised by limited coverage and taking proactive measures to ensure a diverse media landscape, we can safeguard informed public discourse and empower consumers to make impactful choices that shape our society’s future.