Talk To Me

Janet and I took in the movie Talk to Me at Downtown Harrisburg's cinema art house Saturday. Starring the superb actor Don Cheadle, the movie tells the story of Petey Greene. Excellent supporting cast, too.

Greene was an ex-con who became a respected "tell it as it is" radio and TV personality in Washington, DC. His story reminded me of some problems with today's "free" media in the U.S.

Here are a few:

As corporations have purchased independent media outlets, the resultant consolidation has given rise to fewer divergent views (important to sustain an informed people and democratic country).

To maintain favor with the Federal government (which has regulatory powers over TV and radio broadcasting) and advertising sponsors (who don't want to offend their customers), corporations have become reluctant to challenge government positions and tackle sensitive subjects. TV journalist Bill Moyers revealed on his PBS show how the TV industry was loathe to challenge the Bush Administration lies and misdirection preceding our invasion of Iraq.

My brief visit to Canada exposed me to a more independent and investigative approach to covering the news and challenging government positions.

Corporate owners of TV stations have conjoined the news and entertainment departments and focus on the "bottom line". So, the distinction between news and entertainment has blurred. Which is why we have stories about Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton et al leading newscasts and taking time away from truly important news. Which is why the majority of non-cable TV reporter shows (e.g., Hardball) encourage shouting, finger pointing, and acrimonious exchanges between opposing "experts".

As Adlai Stevenson observed, "In quiet places, reason abounds". A good reason to watch Tom Lehrer's NewsHour on PBS.