‘Boycott,’ anyone?

If the traditional media is losing its audience, we only have ourselves to blame.

- CITO BELTRAN

It is as much because of our content than it is about technology.For some time now, I have noticed how the headlines and front pages generally tend to be about ongoing feuds between elected officials or the worn-out ICI investigations.

Yesterday, for instance, the “news” was about President Bongbong Marcos saying he will not oppose any attempt to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. I wonder if the rats will impeach while the “cat is away?”

An even bigger space with photos was dedicated to Sen. Imee Marcos and her “hair pulling feud” with Sen. Ping Lacson, while the ICI was said to be looking for direction.

If it’s not about strong differences of opinion or “pasabog” or mini exposés, politicians dish out self-serving statements about not being part of a scandal, condemning those already exposed, only to be found to have “insertions” and “allocables” that are distasteful if not irregular.

I am reminded of a time when a congressman cried out for support by shouting “Wala na bang iba?” or are there no others willing to stand up for what is right? In like manner, don't we have better things to write or talk about?

I get it that “bad news travels fast,” disasters attract attention and dog fights and cat fights are hard to turn away from because curiosity makes us want to know who wins and who gets bloodied and who the “New Guilty” are.

But does politics, feuds and ego trip statements really sell? If traditional media's audience share is shrinking, then the obvious answer is a hard No.