Paul Krugman complained about his appearance on one of the Sunday "News" Shows. This article describes the predictable outcome of the show. The panel consisted of several well known individuals with well known policy positions. The purpose of the show is not to educate the public. The major purpose of any TV program is to build an audience that can justify high prices for commercials. It is also important that nothing happens on the show that would upset the corporations that pay for the commercials. The recipe for all of the Sunday "News" Shows is the same. The panelists must be will known to attract an audience, and their positions must be predictable. The entertainment value of the show depends upon the emotions that can be stirred up as each of the panelists argues for their predictable position. One panelist took the popular position that corporate tax cuts were the answer for restoring growth. Another panelist was there to repeat the message that he has been paid to provide by his employer for the last 10 years on the need to cut social welfare spending. It was also important to have George Will represent the Ronald Reagan for sainthood club. This is what the major media view as balance. Three conservatives arguing against one of the liberal economists that has achieved celebrity status (and is despised by most republicans). Of course, Fox News would criticize the show as just another example of the bias of the major media. Fair and balanced to them would mean that no liberals need apply.
The fact that these Sunday "News" Shows are one of the view attempts of the media to educate the public is unfortunate. We understand that they are in the entertainment business, but it is a pity that they waste their only effort to inform the public on this kind of nonsense. It is also unfortunate that this is what the public has come to expect. They enjoy a good fight before the Sunday sporting event provides the next competition.
No comments:
Post a Comment