Journalists are supposed to be fair and objective. Their job is to report on what happened or is happening through interviews and facts. What has happened to that ideal?
Twenty-four hour news networks and the internet, that's what.
I'm not saying that the internet is a bad thing. In fact, it's great for finding news from around the world. However, too much of it is based on opinion and speculation rather than fact.
The 24-hour news networks (i.e. CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, CNBC) have perverted this ideal beyond comprehension. To name a few of the culprits on these channels: Keith Olbermann (MSNBC), Contessa Brewer (MSNBC), Bill O'Reilly (Fox News) Anderson Cooper (CNN). Each of these anchors is either completely full of him/herself or are just completely stupid.
I'll start with Anderson Cooper. He has this perpetually concerned look on his face. No matter what he's talking about, it concerns him. Everything. Even when he's on magazine covers he's concerned. I can't stand it.
Keith Olbermann and Bill O'Reilly are perversions of journalism for the same reasons. Olbermann's show claims to be about news and its analysis, but it seems more like demagoguery to me. His opinion reigns supreme. O'Reilly's show is all about him letting the world know about his off-color and often ridiculous views on everything. He brow-beats guests and tells them their opinion is wrong. There is no fair exchange of opinion when it comes to O'Reilly-time on FOX. (Which is funny because FOX News claims to be "fair and balanced.") Olbermann is a funny guy; if you agree with his opinion (which I often don't). Rather than intelligently pointing to opponents shortcomings and flaws in their arguments, he attacks their grammar and fashion. That kind of behavior should have no outlet on a channel that is supposedly about news. Olbermann's sophomoric antics fit well with the fraternity-style reporting of ESPN (where he originated), but they are ill-placed in the realm of politics.
Contessa Brewer is just plain stupid. She often sticks her foot in her mouth. She shouldn't be on TV. Her show is not about news; it's about entertainment. This clip shows not only her inability to deal with guests that say something unexpected, it's also about the fact that they were running a story about PARIS HILTON. There is only one channel she should be on: E! Entertainment. This is only OK because the entire channel is dedicated to trash like her.
If you see any of these people on TV, I advise you to switch the channel. Or, better yet, turn the TV off.
These "news" networks often don't even break news. The idea of 24-hour news networks is preposterous. How can anyone fill up an entire day, every day, with news. There is a lot going on in the world, but not that much. These news networks are out of hand.
I will probably have more to say about this at a later date.
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7 comments:
Are you just unhappy with my stance on Olbermann? I mean I know you like him and all, but is that any reason to completely disregard the point of the blog. Also, the only reason we finished where we did was because of my skill. I won't answer one thing next week and I'll see how you do. I will also assume that you like Contessa Brewer. Her show is not about news. It's about entertainment. Try thinking outside of the box and look for something that doesn't simply agree with your opinion.
Try reading the news instead of only watching it.
if youve watched contessa's show in the past few months you'd realize that entertainment has taken a back seat...or trunk seat to politics. your assumptions are surprisingly broad. thinking you know what i watch, what i read, and why i watch or read them is dense to say the least. also the fact that you want me to read instead of watch is an indication of your biase towards newspapers...discrediting your "objectivity" how ironic
If you have nothing constructive to say try not to say anything. If you want to have a discussion of our differing viewpoints, I'm down. However, I don't appreciate these Olbermann/O'Reilly-esque comments. I don't post my viewpoints to be blindly attacked. If you can't respect where I'm coming from, please refrain from reading my blog.
there was no blind attack unless you are referring to me calling you dumb; which is so obviously filled w/ sarcasm (just think how many time ive called steve or you dumb in the past week?) evidently the blog is allowed to be negative but anything said about it isnt. i suppose i'll just not say anything anymore
CNN is on in the background at my home for 8-10 hours a day and although I love it, I have to agree that they are biased. I give them credit for trying and having people from all political viewpoints on their shows, but it was pretty obvious who thought Hillary should pull out. And the mere fact that they stated every twenty minutes that "The rich and well educated are voting for Obama..." has to sway people's opinions, even subconsciously. Like I said, I love the network, but being completely unbiased isn't happening.
This reminds me of a study in the book "The Tipping Point" that I think you'd find fascinating; at least I did. If you'd like to borrow it, I can bring it to MI with me in less than a week.
I would love to borrow the book. Thanks.
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