The tragic discovery of a 17-year-old’s body discarded near a railway track has sparked outrage, yet big media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are floundering in their reporting. Instead of providing a raw, unfiltered take on the implications of youth violence and societal failure, they’re leaning heavily into sensationalism while ignoring damaging narratives that could incite real change.

Where’s the accountability, CNN? Instead of delving into the deeper contextual issues of crime rates and societal breakdown, they’re busy with their garden-variety coverage, which often aims to distract the public from systemic failures. What do they do best? Promote a story and twist it into a “breaking news” frenzy, all while conveniently sidestepping the fundamental questions. Are they more concerned about clicks than actual responsibility? Absolutely.

On the other hand, Fox News is equally culpable. They tend to sensationalize too, but let’s give them credit for attempting to connect the dots when it comes to the societal impact of violence, even if their delivery can be heavy-handed. Yet, their focus often drifts toward political narratives that might serve their base rather than tackling the raw truth of rising youth violence.

In the end, both sides of the aisle are failing us. The tragedy of this young person’s death should compel a dialogue about real issues—youth despair, educational gaps, and community disengagement. Instead, we get the same tired spins. When will our media rise above their tribalistic divides and confront uncomfortable realities? Don’t hold your breath.