Quote:
Originally posted by Cowperson@Oct 16 2004, 01:10 PM
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Rather, the mainstream media (including CNN) should take a hard look in the mirror and say "gee if people are getting their news from Comedy Central instead of us, maybe something's wrong with the way we are performing our jobs?".
I think what you're saying is that people increasingly need to be entertained by the news. If they're not, they'll find some place that does entertain them.
Hence the subtle rise of hip guys like Anderson Cooper (CNN) and Keith Oberrman (MSNBC) and the decline of dour guys like Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. Take that point a step further and you have Jon Stewart and Dennis Miller.
I'll repeat what my poli-sci prof said a quarter century ago - "Seventy-five per cent of the people are chronic know-nothings and shouldn't be allowed to vote."
I've never forgotten his comment and have long wondered if I should agree with it or not. The dumbing down of the news to get people to notice in the go-go times we live makes you wonder.
Cowperson
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No actually that wasn't my point at all, but I realize it wasn't clear.
My position is that people watch the Daily Show primarily for the laughs. However, what seems to have happened is that some viewers also use a show like this in order to get their "news" and political analysis.
Is this because it is more entertaining? Perhaps. However I also think that its because many people feel that they are getting a slanted viewpoint from mainstream media, or in the case of a show like Crossfire, two opposite views, but nothing in the way of an objective viewpoint from the middle.
I don't think the news needs to be more entertaining. Actually my opinion is the opposite. They are trying too hard to create drama (which is what Stewart was saying I believe) and are doing so at the expensive of truly valuable insight and analysis. I don't want to watch a right wing and left wing guy go at it for 30 minutes. I'd rather watch someone with moderate views try to find some middle ground and criticize or praise either side when they feel it is appropriate.