It isn't impossible to become well-informed on international events. I suppose I have an interest because I have been, and even lived, in places that make the news. I do blame the news media for trying to make the most complex situations into a simplified sound bite though. I often feel somewhat depressed about what is reported. I know enough of certain situations to realize that a more balanced understanding is beyond the scope of many ordinary people. In a way this is true because it seems beyond the scope of most news organizations to provide it. For example, I lived in Bahrain for a few years. It may sound like hubris, but my observations have made my opinions more valid than those who've never been more 1000 miles from home. There are so many half-truths and convenient stories being told to ignorant citizens. Often the bigger travesty lies in what is completely ignored and remains forever unreported!
I guess I cannot not blame anyone for ignorance. There are far too many areas and events around our globe, for an ordinary citizen to grasp even a small percentage. Yet, I keep running into those people who possess strong opinions based on meager facts. I do find that annoying, very annoying. Unfortunately, it is possible that an entire country be led astray by a poor showing on the part of its media. This happens when coverage becomes all facade with no background.
When was the last time you heard the actual voices of people on the ground in places in the news? I'd venture it may have been a while, if ever, if one is limited to the media outlets in North America. In democratic countries this lack of information is sinful really. At least the BBC, for all its faults, has real reporters out speaking to real folks in the streets. (Click the icon now for the Global News podcasts.) Occasionally the British Broadcasting Corporation gets a little sidetracked by focusing on what is considered hot in media circles. Generally however, I can plan on hearing from somewhere that a few US network-news anchors couldn't even locate on a globe.I am so sick of being reported at.