If it bleeds...

The media has an inherent bias. Not, it’s not a liberal bias—it’s a bloodthirsty one. For example, Danny Hayes writes that the slaughter of 20 first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary shooting should still be on front pages and lead stories. After all, “nothing that has happened in Washington in the last seven months has been more horrifying, tragic, or gripping than what took place” in Newtown.

The media’s interest in policy debates generally lasts only as long as politicians are willing to spar in front of the cameras. And although Democrats have pledged to continue pursuing stricter gun laws, the prospects for meaningful legislation – and thus a meaningful battle – appear uncertain. 

Gun control advocates have by no means given up. Giffords, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a coalition of allies are continuing their efforts to overcome Republican and NRA opposition to stricter gun laws. 

But in the near term, they’re unlikely to get much help from the media. Once the Senate gun control bill died in April, so did the story.