When Appearance and Ratings Outweigh Talent
In a world where immediacy and entertainment seem to dictate the rules of the game, the media has strayed from a crucial role: educating the audience and contributing to the development of better citizens. This article examines how, in pursuit of ratings and popularity, both radio and television have prioritized image and sensationalism, often neglecting aspects like preparation, professional ethics, and ultimately, their impact on society.
The Transformation of Professional Values
Today, what used to be an industry focused on preparation and technique has significantly changed. Both television and radio have shifted their priorities, often placing superficial attributes above genuine skill:
- In radio, hosts who lean toward double entendre humor or adopt an “irreverent” style tend to gain greater acceptance, driven by ratings and viral metrics.
- In television, physical appearance seems to have become a determining criterion for landing job opportunities. Attractive faces and athletic bodies dominate, regardless of whether the candidates possess the necessary training or ethics.
The Cost of These Priorities: Quality vs. Quantity
Media not only shapes but reflects society’s values. Prioritizing superficial aspects over substance doesn’t just diminish the quality of content but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes, limiting the diversity of perspectives that are essential in an inclusive society.
Experience as an Undervalued Resource
The rejection of older professionals with experience demonstrates a worrying bias. The knowledge gained over years and the ability to connect with audiences of different generations are often underestimated. This prejudice not only restricts opportunities for those who have much to offer but also impoverishes the quality of the content produced.
Where Is the Commitment to Education?
It’s essential to remember that media has the power and responsibility to positively influence society. Beyond entertaining, it should foster values, promote critical thinking, and educate its audiences. An educational approach doesn’t mean boring content; it’s about creating material that inspires and enriches.
The Way Forward: A Call to Action
- Diversity and Representation: It’s crucial to make space for professionals of all ages, genders, and experiences to better reflect the richness of audiences.
- Purposeful Content: Media should strive for formats that combine entertainment with education and reflection.
- More Critical Audiences: Encouraging audiences to demand quality and reject empty content will be the key to pushing for change in the industry.
In a landscape that seems to prioritize metrics over values, there is still room for hope. Media professionals and audiences have the power to steer this trend in a different direction. If the media commits to educating as much as entertaining, we will be closer to building a truly enriched society.