Thoughtless
March 23rd, 2003 | by Tony Steidler-Dennison |Aaron Brown of CNN is working through one of the more thoughtless exercises I’ve yet seen from this war. After showing a brief clip of one of the POWs in Iraq, he’s interviewing a former soldier, Bob Wetzel, who was held captive by the Iraqis during the ‘91 Gulf War. He’s pushed for descriptions of the torture committed by the Iraqis, knowing full well that the families of these POWs may be watching for news of their loved ones. In fact, he remarked at the beginning of the piece that the family of the POW shown learned of his captivity via television. A completely thoughtless and sensationalist interview that will certainly cause consternation for their families.
To follow up the interview, he’s glorified CNN by stating that they would never show the images of the victims of this same attack that were broadcast throughout the Arab world by Al Jazeera.
Absolutely and utterly thoughtless. I’m disgusted to my core.
3 Responses to “Thoughtless”
By Ryan K. on Mar 24, 2003 | Reply
I personally agree with you and think the news media has gotten way out of hand however I feel what is much more sad is that these media techniques are being used because they know they get better ratings. And why do you think they get better ratings? Because a majority of the viewers want to watch that. That is the sick part if you ask me. Although I do agree with you I wish they had the morals and weren’t driven by ratings enough to actually be a little responsible. Keep up the blogging I really like your writing and newsletter!
By Rob Schneider on Mar 24, 2003 | Reply
Ryan is on target. Everyone everywhere have their motivating principles. It’s drilled into CNN journalists, soldiers, and even the common man.
To exist, CNN like any other media outlet like it, has to have viewers (ratings). They’ve learned from long experience that sensationalism is what drives viewers (ratings). I’m also sorry that that’s the way it seems to be. It is even clearer to me as an expat American living in Europe. American media is different than the rest of the world. I can see it even now as I monitor the world’s events on web sites around the world.
I do think that all media will check itself and correct itself. But they will retain the drive to viewers. Our power as viewers is to make that choice.
By Georgette on Jul 9, 2003 | Reply
With over 250 members and still rising fast, The NewsNighters Club was formed for the best news anchor and man in general, Mr. Aaron Brown of CNN’s NewsNight With Aaron Brown. It’s the 1st ever online club for him. And the best. Aaron appreciates that we have the club in his honor.
GO TO THE NEWSNIGHTERS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aaronbrown/