Good afternoon,
An interesting story came to my attention after writing yesterday’s column on “positive” noncrime news in Wilmington.
It turns out that the Amazon-owned Ring doorbell company is looking for an editor in chief who would help produce crime news.
From a business point of view, it makes sense. Crime news will sell more of Ring’s doorbell camera systems.
In terms of the value of doorbell crime coverage it is hard to find anything positive.
Here’s part of the job description:
“This position is best suited for a candidate with experience and passion for journalism, crime reporting, and people management. Having a knack for engaging storytelling that packs a punch and a strong nose for useful content are core skills that are essential to the success of this role. The candidate should be eager to join a dynamic, new media news team that is rapidly evolving and growing week by week.”
As the Nieman post notes, it is well known that the public’s perception of the amount of crime far exceeds the actual rate. That’s just fine with Ring.
This perception is bolstered by everything from “if it bleeds it leads” TV newscasts to “scanner coverage” that we are now seeing from legacy and new media.
It leads to fears of traveling to Wilmington for a night out, even though parking at a suburban shopping center may be more dangerous.
Scanner overage has its flaws that can include a lack of follow-ups and even tragic copycat activity when it comes to stories of apparent suicides. (It’s a significant issue on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor).
Local coverage sometimes comes with some degree of compassion, depending on attitudes, community ties, and maturity of reporters and editors.
It is hard to envision an algorithm-driven compilation of crime coverage coming with any sensitivities.
All in all this is a bad idea, but one that in our app economy was inevitable.
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