Do we watch the news or does the news just watch us?

As I plod though Digg.com, /. and other news sites (not to mention the local newspapers and stations) I realize that it doesn't really seem like we watch the news in so much as the news is watching us to gauge what will grab the most ratings. It's not about the events, the critical things going on, the little guys story who needs to just be shown to the world.

Consider the infamy that is the kidnapped white female syndrome. Why does it seem like any time a Caucasian woman is abducted there is instantly a firestorm of press. Kidnappings happen considerably more frequently, often in poorer neighborhoods than most people would care to know. So why then are only the suburbia victims paraded on the 6 o'clock news? Is it because it pulls at the hearstrings of middle America? Is it more newsworthy to put up the face of someone 'nice' looking?

Equally annoying to me at least are the droves of camera guys, helos and 'guest commentators' for high speed chases and shooting incidents. We as a people have become obsessed with wanting to see the worst things unfold, not the good things. Perhaps our culture is just based on the negative press idea but I for one wouldn't mind seeing some lighter news.