Mass Media : Subjective Perception

How does the media and its subjective perception affect the way this incident was handled?

The mass media holds great influence. As a result of its publication, it has created a big impact on this incident. This is not surprising. The mass media should know that it contains a massive power to affect or even control its audience' minds. Hence journalists, who are part of the mass media, should be aware of the power of their words and be responsible for them. The responsibility of journalists is to provide an unbiased account and facts of the events they report. There should be no assumptions or opinions that could prove unfair to the subjects of the event.

This incident refers to the reaction of two members of the Singapore's swimming relay team when they heard about the disqualificaion of the American team. Bryan Tay and Zach Ong were bewildered and their facial expressions were that of utter disbelief. They were misinterpreted by certain journalists as mocking and scoffing at the American team. This, of course stirred up controversy and even anger. However, this was not the case. Bryan Tay and Zach Ong were simply shocked. They had no intention of jeering at the American team.

But because of the angle the journalist chose to report this incident, it portrayed Bryan Tan and Zach Ong as immature and lacking sportsmanship. The reporter did not make clarifications and convieniently assumed them to be smiling in happinessness. This does not reflect well on the both of them and is also very unfair to them.

In actual fact, there was nothing worth reporting about the incident. Disqualifications due to careless mistakes committed by athletes are nothing out of the ordinary. However, because the media chose to focus on the expressions of just two people without putting it into context, this incident suddenly became newsworthy.

The media should have reported the incident in an objective perception. That is, it was a pity that such well-qualified swimmers made a slight mistake and was penalised for it. That was all there was to it. Instead, the media chose to be subjective. Perhaps the media was trying to stir emotions and feelings, making their report more exciting and noteworthy. In any case, it was wrong and irresponsible of the media to do so. Its subjective perception has caused Bryan Tan and Zach Ong to become notorious. Since they are national swimmers representing Singapore, it affects Singapore's reputation too.

The report would have been factual and informative if the media had reported it with an objective perception. Its subjective perception has resulted in misunderstandings causing much unpleasant feelings. The influence of the media should never be underestimated.