Far Quote by James Reston
“If it's far away, it's news, but if it's close at home, it's sociology.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, 1965
Observations close distant events seem newsworthy, while similar issues close to home are dismissed as ordinary sociology.
In simple terms: Far events become news; nearby issues become sociology.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias in what we deem newsworthy.
Themes
media bias
perception
social analysis
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
media
sociological
When to use this quote
- journalism classes
- media literacy workshops
- community discussions
Key Concepts
news values
sociology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we treat distant tragedies as news?
- How can we elevate local concerns?
A Different Perspective
Local issues are often underreported despite importance.
