Strange Maps has an interesting map of where news breaks in the lower 48 states. Even allowing for population densities, certain areas of the country — notably D.C. and New York City — account for a disproportionate number of the stories. D.C. makes sense due to the number of stories about the federal government. New York City makes less sense when compared to, say, Chicago. By population, Chicago should be about 1/2 of the “news size” of New York, but, in reality, it’s only about 1/5 the size.
The author speculates on the “capital effect,” but I think he guesses wrong (cultural capital). NYC is the financial capital of the US and perhaps the world. I would speculate that the majority of stories in a newspaper’s financial section on a given day have a New York dateline. I think that the location of the major news organizations in NYC may have some sort of a bias effect (I note that the Today show always overplays NYC weather, for instance) but when you consider 1) New York’s status as the financial capital, 2) the size of metro NYC, which still is the largest in the US, 3) NY’s status as a center for culture, and 4) the centering of the media in New York, in that order, it’s not a surprise. It’s also worth noting that even if part of #4 is based on bias, part of it is just the nature of having the studios and news organizations based there. For instance, if the Today show interviews the attorney for the FLDS compound residents in-studio, the article generated from that interview would have a New York dateline even though it’s about a Texas story.
Uff da; where are the Dakotas on that map?
Makes New York and DC look like a “cancer” on the US. Wonder what Rush and Hannity will have to say about this?
John M., I think your #4 is a big part of the answer – look at how disproportionate Georgia is. CNN, perhaps?
Hey Rev…The only time I have ever seen or heard the expression “Uff Da” is on my moms coffe mug or when I’m in Minnesota or the Dakotas with all my Norwegian relatives….Had any good Lefsa lately??
Not in northwest Indiana recently.
Being a (mostly) German Lutheran, I didn’t get to experience those fine words until I lived in Minnesota.
BTW can you explain to me the reason for the cult of lutefisk? AKA the piece of cod which passes all understanding.