political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Dumbed Down TV: Example No 94
A great example of dumned down TV just now on Sky News. Kay Burley broke off from a serious interview on prison policy to utter the memorable words...
Sorry, we have to break off from this interview for some important breaking news. Over to California for a press conference on Paris Hilton leaving prison.
Given that English prison policy can be summed up in three words - "There isn't any" - and whoever happens to be the Home Secretary on any given day - I don't find it so outrageous.
BTW,does anyone else think Paris Hilton and David Cameron bear a striking resemblance to one another? Has anyone ever seen them in the same room together? Has David Cameron been spotted around London during these past two days (except, maybe, his double, in a cycling helmet)?
I've basically come to the same conclusion as anonymous 3:21 - Sky News would be better called "The Sun TV".
It's a pity, because although BBC News 24 is infinitely more grown up, that liberal bias does tend to seep through a bit more often than I'd like. For example: "militants" rather than "terrorists". What a joke.
What also annoys me is that Sky does have some excellent reporters - Adam Boulton, Glen O'Glaza, Jon Craig are all top notch.
I rather lament the loss of the ITN News Channel... there was at least a 'third way' then. Gulp.
Iain you are such a hypocrite you never stop big brothering and you would chew your arm off to get a few words from Paris Hilton( Featuring in the News Statesman Editorial today). You are what’s more an open reader of the NOTW ,( now as we know featuring incisive political comment by “Oh my god” Iain Kirby), and generally frolic in salacious trivia as ‘ ye lovers that do bathen in gladness’. When you have attained the level of serious consistent commentary I have , then , and only , then can you sneer at Paris Hilton`s capers
News 24 did a similar action by cutting off a report in mid -flow on the agreement on greenhouse emissions from their reporter at the G8 to go live to LA and then after 10 minutes of this drivel going to a live interview with Yvette Cooper on shortage of social housing with the immortal words "sorry for the delay Minister but we had to go to LA for breaking news on Paris Hilton's release" Wonderful ! Who says the media hasn't got it's priorities right !
Such are the distorted news values of journalists. Do they really think that viewers watching a serious discussion welcome such interruptions; or indeed any interruptions?
And another thing, while I'm on my feet: why do we pay journalists to stand outside buildings in the street to tell us things which could be said equally well, and at much less expense, from the comfort of the studio?
About 90% of the media has steadily been reduced to farce over the last 15 years or so. At one time we had a spread of newspapers that avoided trivia and broadcasters that avoided sensationalism. Everything is now dumbed down for the masses and to bolster competitive sales figures. Providing accurate reporting is no longer on the agenda as it doesn't sell!
Sky News is dire. Like CNN and Fox they get incredibly wound up in one story, like the navy hostages coming home (cue Kay Burley stood infront of a naval base illuminating us as to the number of bedrooms and what the sailors will be having for tea) and the Madeleine McCann case, which gained total coverage even when there was absolutely nothing happening. Sky News is more for those who want to hear every last word of that week's big human interest story and not a fair spread of all the significant things that are going on.
Of course it was still a prison related news story. I understand that the damsel in distress was released upon medical grounds. Obviously sick of prison...
Surely someone can prevail on Mr Murdoch or someone else for a non-politically biased, intelligent news and current affairs channel that isn't always "breaking (non) news".
Last night News at Ten broke an exclusive story which it stated would be on Panorama next Monday night. Methinks that the BAE/Saudi bribes scandal is actually old news, and that it was just product placement, ie, an advert for the BBC programmes.
The BBC think this story is one of the three most important stories this month. On hearing of this major news they issued an 'SMS Breaking News Alert' to all their text message subscribers.
The text says:
"BBC NEWS: US socialite Paris Hilton is freed from prison to serve the rest of her 45-day sentence with an electronic tag."
The BBC says of this service:
"we will only send details of the major breaking news.
We estimate that will be around three messages per month, depending on events."
Just as well she wasn't conceived on the Paris Metro, or in an Austin Allegro.
Why on earth this dozy oxygen thief's actions deserve any journalist's time or attention is a great mystery. Must be an inverse law of media celebrity, the lesser the talent and intelligence the greater the media attention.
But she's only just gone in !
ReplyDeleteBut I suppose for the thickos that watch Sky News, this is groundbreaking stuff..
Given that English prison policy can be summed up in three words - "There isn't any" - and whoever happens to be the Home Secretary on any given day - I don't find it so outrageous.
ReplyDeleteBTW,does anyone else think Paris Hilton and David Cameron bear a striking resemblance to one another? Has anyone ever seen them in the same room together? Has David Cameron been spotted around London during these past two days (except, maybe, his double, in a cycling helmet)?
This is a ploy by the President to get the G8 rows off the front pages.
ReplyDeleteI've basically come to the same conclusion as anonymous 3:21 - Sky News would be better called "The Sun TV".
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity, because although BBC News 24 is infinitely more grown up, that liberal bias does tend to seep through a bit more often than I'd like. For example: "militants" rather than "terrorists". What a joke.
What also annoys me is that Sky does have some excellent reporters - Adam Boulton, Glen O'Glaza, Jon Craig are all top notch.
I rather lament the loss of the ITN News Channel... there was at least a 'third way' then. Gulp.
Iain you are such a hypocrite you never stop big brothering and you would chew your arm off to get a few words from Paris Hilton( Featuring in the News Statesman Editorial today). You are what’s more an open reader of the NOTW ,( now as we know featuring incisive political comment by “Oh my god” Iain Kirby), and generally frolic in salacious trivia as ‘ ye lovers that do bathen in gladness’.
ReplyDeleteWhen you have attained the level of serious consistent commentary I have , then , and only , then can you sneer at Paris Hilton`s capers
Harrumph
None dumber than Kay Burley and partner George Pascoe Watson of the Sun.
ReplyDeleteKay knows what the real priorities are.
Someone please put it on Youtube.
News 24 did a similar action by cutting off a report in mid -flow on the agreement on greenhouse emissions from their reporter at the G8 to go live to LA and then after 10 minutes of this drivel going to a live interview with Yvette Cooper on shortage of social housing with the immortal words "sorry for the delay Minister but we had to go to LA for breaking news on Paris Hilton's release" Wonderful ! Who says the media hasn't got it's priorities right !
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet I'd be right in thinking that they've been covering the BB story to death.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show that you can still buy justice in the US.
Paris Hilton - young, dumb and full of cum...stupid bitch.
ReplyDeleteTelevision? Isn't that the 'free market' version of cabbage soup and Victory gin?
ReplyDeleteYou picked a bad time to ban swearing on your blog !"£$%**!"£$%^&*&^%$$££"! !"£$%£"&*(*^%$£!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what angers me the most: the fact that she has been released early, or the fact that it is considered breaking news.
"a few words from Paris Hilton"
ReplyDeleteIn a real sentence? Amazing.
"sneer at Paris Hilton`s capers"
What are they then? Some aspect of her physiology, or something she's marketing now she's out of jug?
Next up: "My Jailhouse Hell" by the breathless Hilton. Stories of lesbian romps, drugs, and squalor - complete with videos.
On second thoughts, that was before she was banged up. (Er, do I really mean that? Maybe I do)
Such are the distorted news values of journalists. Do they really think that viewers watching a serious discussion welcome such interruptions; or indeed any interruptions?
ReplyDeleteAnd another thing, while I'm on my feet: why do we pay journalists to stand outside buildings in the street to tell us things which could be said equally well, and at much less expense, from the comfort of the studio?
About 90% of the media has steadily been reduced to farce over the last 15 years or so. At one time we had a spread of newspapers that avoided trivia and broadcasters that avoided sensationalism. Everything is now dumbed down for the masses and to bolster competitive sales figures. Providing accurate reporting is no longer on the agenda as it doesn't sell!
ReplyDeleteTrumpeter: Sometimes in between saying things on-air, it allows them to talk to people inside the buildings, to get more stuff to say.
ReplyDeleteAnd it would frankly get boring looking at reporter after reporter sitting on the same set.
Sky News is dire. Like CNN and Fox they get incredibly wound up in one story, like the navy hostages coming home (cue Kay Burley stood infront of a naval base illuminating us as to the number of bedrooms and what the sailors will be having for tea) and the Madeleine McCann case, which gained total coverage even when there was absolutely nothing happening. Sky News is more for those who want to hear every last word of that week's big human interest story and not a fair spread of all the significant things that are going on.
ReplyDeleteI'd stop all this 24 hour a day news nonsence- it is not necessary! They'd report any old crap to fill the schedules nowadays!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 3:55 - "...by cutting off a report in mid -flow on the agreement on greenhouse emissions from their reporter at the G8."
ReplyDeleteYou write that as though it were a bad thing ...
Excuse me, why was a French hotel in an American jail in the first place?
ReplyDelete1. Who is Paris Hilton?
2. Why should I care?
Judith, you have a point. But she was christened Paris, by her father,Conrad Hilton.
ReplyDeleteShe's just your typical louche heiress who contributes to the gaiety of nations. We haven't had one on these on the international scene for ages.
Of course it was still a prison related news story. I understand that the damsel in distress was released upon medical grounds. Obviously sick of prison...
ReplyDeleteNews24 at 1230 today put one story ahead of G8 climate change, interest rates and terror laws - yes it was Big Brother.
ReplyDeleteSurely someone can prevail on Mr Murdoch or someone else for a non-politically biased, intelligent news and current affairs channel that isn't always "breaking (non) news".
ReplyDeleteI just watched the clip, and she was transferred to her own home, with her sentence doubled, because she has a medical condition!
ReplyDeleteHow can you expect to get a broken nail mended in prison, you cold, inhuman people!
Last night News at Ten broke an exclusive story which it stated would be on Panorama next Monday night. Methinks that the BAE/Saudi bribes scandal is actually old news, and that it was just product placement, ie, an advert for the BBC programmes.
ReplyDeleteThe BBC think this story is one of the three most important stories this month.
ReplyDeleteOn hearing of this major news they issued an 'SMS Breaking News Alert' to all their text message subscribers.
The text says:
"BBC NEWS: US socialite Paris Hilton is freed from prison to serve the rest of her 45-day sentence with an electronic tag."
The BBC says of this service:
"we will only send details of the major breaking news.
We estimate that will be around three messages per month, depending on events."
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteJust as well she wasn't conceived on the Paris Metro, or in an Austin Allegro.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth this dozy oxygen thief's actions deserve any journalist's time or attention is a great mystery. Must be an inverse law of media celebrity, the lesser the talent and intelligence the greater the media attention.
Has Broon gone AWOL again?