When it comes to covering the tragic death of influencer Sara Gilson, mainstream media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are falling short of delivering a balanced narrative. They’re more interested in sensationalism than in addressing the root causes of a violence-ridden society. Instead of asking the uncomfortable questions—like why certain areas are plagued by violence or how the system failed her—a quick scroll through their coverage reveals a staggering lack of substance.

TMZ’s reporting, which emphasizes that Gilson’s young son heard the gunfire but did not witness the shooting, provides a heart-wrenching detail but glosses over crucial discussions about community safety and mental health. Yet while TMZ is criticized for its celebrity gossip, other networks are using this tragedy to push a narrative that obscures deeper societal problems. It’s the classic bait-and-switch: they distract you with emotional stories while avoiding accountability for systemic issues.

What we’re really seeing is an agenda to keep viewers fixated on the spectacle of violence rather than addressing the implications of such a tragedy. It’s a risky game that exploits emotion over essential dialogue. Are networks like Fox or CNN willing to dive deep into the socio-economic realities that lead to incidents like this? Not likely. They’d rather feed you a narrative that sells ads than one that offers solutions. If media is about responsibility, then it’s high time they start making the real connections and stop dancing around these painful truths.