Where is Bill Cosby's good news coverage? - 11.8.2006.1

I find it interesting that there was noticeable coverage on Mr. Bill Cosby today. By now I’m sure most have heard that Mr. Cosby settled the lawsuit from a woman alleging sexual assault. I won’t get into the terms of the case; it’s not relevant to what I am interested in. What could I be interested in? The coverage itself.

Take a moment and think of when you hear about today’s news. The coverage may have been short, 35 seconds to a minute or so, depending on your station but the coverage was national. To my knowledge every station mentioned this, and while I don’t watch the gossip television shows I imagine they had a small spot on it as well.


Now think back and tell me when you first heard about Mr. Cosby in Los Angeles? For those that need more help remembering the announcement, he was there on October 29, 2006 and I wrote about it Bill Cosby fights the good fight - 10.31.2006.1 on the 31st. Now how much coverage did that get? I don’t recall hearing a single thing about it. That pisses me off. How about you?

The media is far too ready to mention the downfalls of any entertainer or celebrity. In my opinion when that individual is of color, any color, they are even more persistent in their actions. But let there be a positive action and there is nothing said. I may get on the case of various entertainers and celebrities, but I try to mention the positives as well, even if I don’t agree with it. Whether that is Madonna’s charity to children, Ms. Oprah Winfrey’s various comments and contributions overseas and in the nation, Mr. Michael J. Fox’s support of stem cell research, or the innovative programs by Ice Cube. I’m only one man, they are multinational media conglomerates.

What is wrong with the media that positive news, about change and improvement of the lives of children as well as adults, is not worth spending time on. When things go wrong there is no end to the coverage, especially if there if a famous name attached. But they can barely be bothered to mention good news for 30 seconds more than once in a day. When that news involves African Americans, Latinos, or any other minority group (perhaps with the exception of women – which I don’t see as a minority anyway) it’s even more rare, even if they are celebrities or entertainers. At least in my memory.

[If anyone has hard numbers or facts that disputes, or confirms, my thoughts above please post them or at least send me an email.]

I just find it frustrating. What about you?

This is what I think, what do you think?