The old adages that "if it bleeds it leads" and that journalists should "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" align with the Canadian media's focus on negative forms of news coverage.

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These adages reflect a broader tendency in journalism, not just in Canada but globally, to prioritize sensational, conflict-driven, or negative news stories because they attract more attention and engagement from the audience. "If it bleeds, it leads" underscores the preference for dramatic or sensational news, while "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" suggests a role of journalism in challenging power structures, which often results in focusing on negative aspects of those in power or highlighting societal issues.

The Old Adages That "If It Bleeds It Leads" and That