Re: The Decline of CNN
Posted by:
WashingToneLocian
()
Date: July 14, 2008 09:56AM
Dick Rude Wrote:
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> CNN in the 80's
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In fairness, there is a difference between "bloopers" and CNN making a conscious decision to cater to the lowest common denominator. (While not CNN, I think the Connie Chung clip is hilarious. I wonder if that guy got fired after that).
My problem with CNN is that they have success with something and then they beat it to death. For instance, after the OJ Simpson trial turned out to be a ratings winner, CNN (and the other cable networks), went about blowing up everyday trials into national media spectacles that really didn't merit the level of coverage they received (specifically the Scott Peterson trial).
Now, since Katrina, CNN is promoting "emotive" journalism where Anderson Cooper whines and cries and pouts on air for ratings. I recall how Anderson Cooper's and Shepard Smith's emotional reports from New Orleans were powerful because of the circumstances. But to fabricate outrage or pathos everyday as a cynical ploy to generate ratings is disgusting. And CNN is one of the biggest offenders in that area.