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40 °F 5 Day Forecast Tuesday, December 9, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 30, 2003 Since We Asked: Michael and Martha and Rush ... Oh my! For a holiday week, Mail Tribune readers certainly had turkeys on their minds. Our new interactive feature — Since We Asked — drew 38 responses to this week’s question — and we’ve added Washington state and Nebraska (!) to our out-of-state list. At the end of the answers, you’ll find next week’s question, and a direct link for your response. This week, we asked : Do the media spend too much time on the legal problems of celebrities — such as Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and Rush Limbaugh? Advertisement And, you said .... For my taste, yes. But if it wasn't profitable (i.e. attracting viewers and readers) the media wouldn't do it. — Matt Conens, Medford YES! There are millions of children molested each year and we don't see their attackers in the news. Millions of people adicted to drugs, we aren't hearing about thier problems and recovery. — B. Geppert, Bend Yes, I think they can find something more interesting to report without interrupting the regular programs. — Phyllis B., Cave Junction YES it does!! That kind of stuff happens to everyone and the media doesn’t care about the ordinary Joe, just the celebs. If the media want something to talk about they should talk about all the hungry families there are in the United States. — Amanda Barnes, Eagle Point Not since that's what the people watching really want. If people don't want to watch it, they will spend time doing things that actually matter in their lives. — Jenn R., Medford Yes it does! We are being inundated 24/7 with this type of news which is far more than we need. Give us a break! — Debbie Singler, Omaha, Neb. Yes. The media in general spends to much time covering things they shouldn't. Who really cares? — Richard Aragon, Medford I personally am not interested in the details of these celebrities, and draggin their "dirty laundry" across national and local papers to just sell papers is a waste of space that could be used to write about more positive and productive people or celebrities. — Victoria Misner, Central Point Not really. These are people who are our idols, so to speak. We somewhat live our lives with their life and it's important we know what's going on. — Phyllis Rutherford, Central Point Yes, they spend entirely too much time on those people. Who cares anyway!!! — Dorothy, Medford Yes. But the fascination with celebrities personal problems is the medias response to our apathy of real issues and news in this world. — Naomi, Cave Junction Yes! Celebs only have name recognition. If it was "Joe Blow," we would never hear of them! — Richard Williams, Medford Yes, too much time is spent on the legal problems of celebs. Sensationalisim is the name of the game. — Dennis Hess, Rogue River They spend way too much time and after you see it one time it's like a boring rerun. Get on to something else. — Dennis Wiseman, Butte Falls Hwy. Yes, definitely. All TV channels covered Jackson for two straight days and that was a bit too much. It is important news, but enough already! — B. Davidson, Grants Pass YES!!!! Just like the Mail Tribune spends too much time harping over old issues regarding former police officers. — Lisa McGowan, Central Point Yes. Congress is out of control with pork barrel spending that gets a two-minute sound bite, but celebrity problems cause a feeding frenzy. — Lee Hopkins, Medford No. The media cater to the interests of their readers and viewers. People in general have a fascination with celebrities who are in trouble. — Anthony Nunez, Grants Pass Absolutely! We should hear about the majority of Americans and their good deeds instead! — NR, Eagle Point Yes, I think so. The media is such a lame industry these days that they are thirsty for anything and go too far with it! — Amanda, Corvallis/ North Bend Yes, it does. We are fixating on celebrities instead of working to solve the social problems that sparked their legal problems. — Jennifer Moser, Medford No, these celebrities rely on the media to shock, sell, and get publicity. Why should there be a double- standard in their cases. The media brings these people into the eye of the public, and shows they too are accountable for their actions. — Chris Gerschler, Medford I don't feel it's any of the media's business to spread gossip about any celebrity. I think the media is to relax! — Dennis D. Wallace, Shady Cove Who? — Dave Cassidy, Ashland We need something to balance out all the negative news we get. Hearing about celebrities problems puts mine in perspective. — Harry Bales, Redmond, Wash. In most cases, yes. O.J. Simpson was on TV for much too long. — Brad W., Medford Yes ... WAAAYYYY TOO MUCH! — B Ross, Medford YES. Way too much time. How about more time on the issues of our local community and the nation? — L. Nichols, Medford Yes, way too much time. I am sick of hearing it and really don't give a rip. — Angela Adame, Medford Only if they are covering these stories at the expense of more important issues of the day ... and oftentimes, they are. The Media wants the most "bang for the buck" ... it's all about readership. — Kris A. Cloyd, Lafayette, Calif. Absolutely. I really don't care what they are doing "off stage." — Mike Merusi, Gold Hill Yes. Surely with all that is wrong and right in this world, we could learn more about those issues rather than read about the legal issues of celebrities. — Troy Ridenour, Dallas, Oregon No, because it makes us aware that celebrity life is not perfect, and educates us on how to deal with our own problems as well. — Angela, Medford And, then, there were the folks who were especially succinct ... Yes. — J Carpenter, Central Point Yes. — Cathi Johansson, Renton, Wash. YES!!!!!!! — Phil Southern, Eagle Point Next week’s question : How does the state of the economy affect how much you spend on holiday shopping? To answer, open the link on the home page of the Mail Tribune’s Web site — www.mailtribune.com — and fill out the form provided, or just click here — [email protected] — and answer. Remember : Please try and keep your answers to 25 words or less, and submit them by 5 p.m. Friday. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times