From the always enlightening and thought-provoking Red Cardigan: And Sometimes Tea: Manufacturers of angertainment. I've had this concept floating around in my brain, but was having difficulty putting it into words. Mark Shea of NCR may be on to something.
Linda and I were recently discussing how the media seems to no longer be able to report the news without trying to make every story a "sensational" story, one that grabs our itnerest. It seems like they try at every opportunity to turn what should be at best a one-liner into a front page exposé.
Case in point... As most people are aware, the Gulf Coast is trying desperately to avert or avoid another major disaster caused by the explosion on and subsequent sinking of an oil rig. This is of MAJOR concern to the entire area. It's impact will be far reaching on the coastline, the marine wildlife, the fishing industry, the restaurant industry, and on and on. In other words, BIG NEWS!!
Two nights ago a man, member of a wealthy LA farming family that contributes generously to political campaigns, was arrested outside Harrah's casino for several charges, including public drunkenness and pointing a gun at law enforcement officers. He is also a political appointee to a state commission that oversees the State Police. The day after it happened the story was reported on the 10 PM news broadcast. It was also noted that he had immediately resigned from the commission. Not a problem. What becomes a problem, IMHO, is that this particular news station decided that this was such a major story that they actually tracked the governor down while he was working on the oil rig crisis to "follow up", NOT on the oil rig disaster coverage which is ongoing, but on the gun incident which, except for the subsequent hearings, is over. Please!! Let's have some priorities, people!! Really!
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