This lack of knowledge cannot be blamed completely on news sources. If people did not gravitate towards entertainment-based stories, would not be published. Advertising rates are crucial to the survival of a media outlet, and if people want to hear about Lindsay Lohan, then that is the information that will be reported.

The success of tabloid magazines such as “US Weekly,” “People” and “In Touch,” and cable television stations like E!, and Style demonstrate the value of entertainment news in American culture. It is perfectly acceptable to indulge in celebrity gossip through such mediums as these, but it is inappropriate to purchase an esteemed newspaper to find Brangelina gossip or Steelers training camp updates front and center.

It is important for Americans to know what is happening in the world outside of sports and entertainment. However, relevant issues won’t be featured until there is a market for them. It is therefore the responsibility of the people to take an interest in news, which in turn, will force the media to report on topics that matter.

There will hopefully be a time again when headlines regarding local news, politics or the environment will cover the front page, and the Steelers and celebrity news will be reserved for the appropriate sections.