IS NO NEWS, GOOD NEWS?

IS NO NEWS, GOOD NEWS?

This past week the New York City Police reported that for the first time in over 25 years there were NO reported shootings in New York City over the past weekend.

Of course, when I first read this item I thought that it was really good news. No one got shot! After a little reflection, I wondered if no one had been shot, was that really news? Usually the news is a report of a significant happening, not a non-happening. 

Is this the start of a new kind of newsless reporting that will allow 24 hour news channels to report on an entire new litany of non-events?

An example of such an enthralling story might be:

“Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, did not buy a new pant suit this week. Ms. Merkel shuns dresses as she is averse to cold breezes that might blow up her skirt. She has thus collected dozens of wonderful polyester pant suits that protect her from the cool winds of northern Germany and the hot air that regularly circulates in German parliament. 

One of her favourite suits is a lovely mauve microfibre suit that can also double as gym wear, for her hot yoga classes. Ms Merkel is very cost conscious and much of her manly wardrobe is multi purpose. She has a bright red suit that she can also wear when she plays Mrs Claus during the festive season. I have a suit of every colour already,” she explains, “so there is no need for any duplication.”

She is now confining her shopping trips to the grocery store, the bakery and the wine store. Ms Merkel also notes that her pant suits are usually two sizes too big for her, to allow for expansion.”

Other thrilling non-news stories that might thrill you:

• It didn’t rain anywhere in Nevada today
• Donald Trump did not tweet last night
• No marijuana was sold in Canada yesterday as the supply has been depleted
• No new pipelines are under construction in BC today
• Vladimir Putin was not photographed bare chested riding a horse this week
• Florida was hurricane free this month
• Flu season is scheduled to start 
• Justin Trudeau refrained from apologizing to anyone today 

Of course, the fact that no one was shot in a major American city is good news. It just struck me a little funny that a non-event was reported at all. What do you think?