Of all the bad news stories in the past several years, there is likely none (at least for me) that is as bad as the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf. To me, this is certainly on par with 911. Every time I read a blog, or a news site, or turn on the TV, or listen to the radio discussing the big Oil Spill I get a little sick to my stomach. Kind of a grimace.
I'm finding myself clicking away from websites, turning the radio station, and flipping the channel on the remote when I see coverage of the disaster on TV. I simply can't bear to watch the story any longer.
So, are media companies actually turning off their audience by pounding us with the story? Even if they feel like they're increasing viewership, what message are they sending to their advertisers.
Many advertisers today are looking to avoid context associated to the Oil Spill. As we all know, brands are generally looking for heart warming stories like the Olympics to surround their brand, not global disasters. I suppose we can't make the story go away, but some media companies will soon realize that constant focus on this topic will likely hurt their media business.
Like everyone else, I'm hopeful however, that this story will change our views for alternative energy and drive us towards a world less dependant on oil for energy.
I don’t mind the news coverage, but after a while you think “just tell me when it’s fixed.” What really annoys me, though, is how some cable networks constantly show the gushing oil at the bottom of the screen. Oil is leaking: I got it. No need to remind me all the time.
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