The relationship between media coverage and public attention is often complex and can work both ways, depending on the specific issue and context. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Here are two scenarios to consider:
Media Coverage Drives Public Attention: In some cases, media organizations decide to cover a particular issue or event because they believe it will be of interest to the public. They may use their editorial judgment to determine what stories to prioritize and report on. Once the media starts covering an issue extensively, it can bring that issue to the forefront of public awareness, and people may become interested or concerned as a result of the media's coverage.
Public Interest Drives Media Coverage: In other situations, the public's interest and demand for information on a specific issue can lead the media to provide extensive coverage. If a topic gains traction on social media, for example, or if there are widespread protests or public discussions, the media may respond to this public interest by reporting on the issue more intensively.
So, it's not a one-way relationship. It can be a dynamic interplay between media coverage and public interest. The extent to which one influences the other can vary depending on the issue, the news organization, and the broader societal context.