Media Rant

I love the freedom of the press, but I expect more from our media. I really do. And it irkes me to realize that the large companies that run these media outlets are only promoting questionable stories, which I find offensive and juvenile in varying degrees, because they are popular. I realize that they generate lots of viewers, and living in a capitalist society I can't really blame the news channels from trying to maximize profits. But at some level, there must be an accounting of moral responsibility. And I think we are beginning to reach that level.

There are two stories in particular that exemplify this trend. The first is that of Anna Nicole Smith, and the various legal questions her death poses. Anna Nicole Smith was a good looking woman who made some news a while ago by marrying a very old billionare. I find the fact that news outlets dedicated so much time to that story mildly annoying, but it's not a big deal. There was nothing new there, and quite frankly if people are interested in that stuff that's fine with me. It's not like she or he really minded the attention.

This story is different because of one minor and one major factor. The minor factor: she's dead - show some respect. I realize that whatever gets people to the turn on the TV is good for the bottom line of these studios, but I also believe that there is a price we as a society pay when certain lines are crossed. To be specific I am referring to the fact that all news outlets are treating Anna's death like a circus. Even the trial judge is using this trial to get on his soapbox and enjoy his 15 minutes of fame. This is about her. And she's dead. Show some respect.

The major factor: she has a little baby. Why does nobody talk about the little baby except to laugh at how silly the paternal dispute is? Why is it that nobody seems concerned? I know this because I have watched several shows on NBC, CNN, and FOX about this issue in morbid fascination. Every commentator, without exception, has laughed about the horridness of the whole situation for 29 minutes, and then spent the last 60 seconds lamenting that nobody talks about the poor child. Not only is this behavior somewhat stupid, I find it morally questionable. Once again, I believe there is a price we pay as a society for this.

Sidenote: Yes, I am aware there is a certain hypocrisy in me railing against those who watch this type of news, and then acknowledge that I watched it too. I believe there is a key difference: I normally don't watch this stuff, and don't intend to continue doing so in the future.

My second example involves Britney Spears. I won't say too much about this, because I believe that it speaks for itself. I would not even know about it if the news outlets had not been flooded by this remarkable story. The girl is 25 (i think). She has 2 babies, and is divorced. She clearly has some sort of substance abuse problems, is suffering from depression, and has not had a moments peace for a decade. With this background, and signs of possible breakdown that could have serious ramifications for her health and that of her children, I believe it is morally irresponsible of the media and others to report on this as if it were a joke.

I hate to get on my high horse here - that's not normally what I do, and I usually tune out when others do it. At the same time however, this is starting to piss me off. I figured I have not posted in a while on here, so people might enjoy a good rant.

PS - i was recently made aware of this video of Craig Ferguson from the Late Late Show, which in some ways bears remarkable similarity to my rant above. I've seen his stuff and think he's quite talented and funny - now I have more respect for him.