Here’s some basic information and perhaps some solace for the many executives out there who fear and even hate the news media. They believe journalists are ‘out to get’ whatever industry the executive represents whether it is oil and gas, financial, real estate , sports or even pharmaceuticals and food.

In many cases, this fear and loathing is based on ignorance of the job of the news media and its editors. Professional editors – the bulk of editors employed by the brand-name media – simply look for news that is interesting. Interest can be defined as something that is negative or very positive; something that is reviled or applauded; something that is rare or something that is so common it is of interest to almost everyone.

In other words, the media is not, usually, out to get someone; it is out to get interesting stuff to attract the attention of its readers, viewers and listeners. In most instances, it is this simple.

-GR