While I’m not a fan of Fox News, if MSNBC spends this much frickin’ time on Tom and Katie’s wedding (which was “breaking news”, apparently), then I can’t say that I’d enjoy the network that much. Other than KO, which I can usually find on YouTube anyway, I can’t say that I’m missing much.
Thanks Barn for the link.
Comments
The whole thing is pretty retarted, if you ask me. I know that’s a very sophomoric term to use, but I think it fits will with the media hype around Tom and Katies wedding.
I was talking with my wife the other day about how much of what ends up on TV, is so sensationalized, and out-of-touch with what most of us really care about. Local news can’t escape the blame, either! TV is driven so much by exciting video, compelling headlines, and shock value. If we don’t jerk you out of your chair at night, then we haven’t done our job (in many cases, I’m not exaggerating).
Sometimes it’s hard working in the business I do; however, I realize that there must be voices out there to go against the grain. I don’t know how much impact I’ll ever have, but hopefully it’s enough.
If the aforementioned list is what’s used to drive storytelling, then TV journalsists (if you can call them that) have lost touch with reality.
I hope to work in a place someday where serving the community, and understanding what is important to the people, will be the foundation of news coverage. Maybe I’m just dreaming!
I get MSNBC on Bend Cable, channel 39 I belive, it’s only saving grace is that Keith Olbermann guy.
That would be CNBC, not MSNBC, David (at least on basic cable).
Jason, I’m disappointed you used the word retarded. You’re a news guy! Not only did you spell it incorrectly, but it’s so demeaning. As if being “retarded” was something one with a mental disability could help. You, and anyone else who uses it, need to take it out of your vocabulary. Sorry for the lecture, but that’s so, like, 9th grade (on top of insulting).
Yes, I realized I spellled it incorrectly right after I posted the comment. Problem is I can’t edit what I wrote. Sorry I’m not perfect.
By the way, I hate that P.C. crap. Look up the word retarded in the dictionary and it doesn’t just refer to someone who has a mental disability. The whole point of my post was to show how insensate, ludicrous, and nonsensical the media coverage is of Hollywood stars (hopefully the above adjectives will make you feel better!) That’s why I followed “retarded” with saying how “sophomoric” using that term was. I was trying to drive home a point.
As a kid I had a neighbor who was mentally retarded, and I helped him for years get on and off the bus. I also sat with him many times. His name was Craig, and he will have a lasting impact on my life. I’m the last person on earth to offend in that way.
I’m guessing it would’ve been OK if I used the word moronic? Its definition is similiar to retarded: A person of mild mental retardation having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years. Words take on so many meanings, especially when you consider the context in which they were written. Unfortunately, you chose to focus on one word rather than my entire diatribe.
Working in TV, I understand that sensitivity to people is essential. I apologize if use of that word offended you. That was not my intention. But insulting? I think that’s taking it a little too far.
Ok, Jason, then let me know when you use it in that same context while you’re doing a news story on the air. Bet your GM and viewers won’t let you off the hook with the whole “look it up in the dictionary” excuse. We all know exactly in what context you were using it. Also, it’s not a matter of being PC, it’s a matter of incorrect usage. (btw – one dictionary defines it as: “Occurring or developing later than desired or expected; delayed.”) I would say the media wasn’t being retarded, in fact, they were being very timely with their coverage. Although I would agree they were annoying with it.
What I wrote had nothing to do with a news story. What words I use in coversation outside of my job will always be much different than the words I use on-air. Making that comparison doesn’t work. Please don’t lecture me about my job, or what you think my managers would think.
I’m not going to get into juvenile debate with you about what I wrote. I’m not even going to justify it anymore because I don’t have to. I can just about offend anyone with about anything I write. Nobody is ever going to agree with me all the time.
By the way, NBC’s “Law & Order” should be reprimanded for using the word retarded. I was watching last night, and one of the actors (playing the murder suspect) used it to describe the DA’s offer for a plea deal. Looks like well-known actors use it on national TV in the same context I did. Just thought that was interesting.