Calgary has 2 daily newspapers, The Calgary Herald & The Calgary Sun. Both tabloids, but the Herald likes to style itself the serious newspaper, while the Sun targets "the working man". Both specialize in articles that highlight the dangerous world we live in, and if short locally on murder and rape will happily dig through the archives to publish cold cases, or import misfortunes from other cities and countries. Of course it's not all murder and rape, there is plenty of room for the automobiles, entertainment, & lifestyle sections, but the front pages are invariably filled with the collected wars, misfortune and misery of the world, with the occasional "upbeat" article so you don't abandon your subscription and move into a bunker. While it pains me to observe, this formula is the standard for almost all North American newspapers.
Very little of what either of the papers publish has any "relevance", by which I mean almost none of it affects any of you (us) in a meaningful way. If, however, you've been thinking of taking a gun to school and shooting up the place, they both will give you all the inspiration you require. Studies that conclusively correlate "copycat" effects with articles are no deterrent, they are, after all, businesses, and the blood that's on their hands is excused by the invaluable service they provide - the public has a right, no, a "need" to know that tragedy happened in Columbine, in Virginia - this "news" affects perhaps 2 or 3 people in the city, yet serves to inspire Taber and countless other schoolyard shootings around Calgary, around the world. "It happened there and so it could happen here", and so they become a very large cog in the wheel of self-fulfilling prophecy.
Recent headline from the Herald - "Afghan police convicted of rape"; Confirms prejudice that "they're not us" - relevance to us - None.
Or try: "Police put brakes on naked driver" - again - relevance, none, but titillating (who could resist clicking on this?).
Recall the "Herald" is the serious newspaper.
With that said, you've been warned. Links on the right. These links are provided in the interests of being thorough, and do not constitute an endorsement of the above listed products / service.