On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 11:00:33 -0800, "C J Campbell"
wrote:



It apparently is no more accurate. What is so great about it? Why does the
choice have to be between US media idiots and the Chinese? Why can't we have
responsible news media and let the commies do whatever they want with
theirs?


My understanding: TV news shows are now just parts of TV
conglomerates. They aren't really news shows anymore, they must
compete with other non news shows for a share of the TV audience. In
other words, the news programs that were once staffed by the likes of
pioneers Edward R. Morrow, Walter Cronkite, and Eric Severide, who
were news journalists, are now competing with Fear Factor,
Bachelorette and the Jerry Springer show for audience share.

They are considered by their owners to be another form of TV
entertainment that must do it's part to draw viewers.

So the more interesting the story, the bigger the audience share.
That's why they now announce news stories ahead of time: "tune in
tomorrow for our piece on small airports, it will shock you!"

It's also why the TV news always seems so sensational. "We go now to
our intrepid reporter Biff Power who is reporting in the path of a
raging tornado the size and power of which DWARF's all tornados in the
history of the world." "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

Corky Scott

PS, wonder if Morrow worried about audience share?