9) I compared a clip from the Onion News Network with a clip from the “E!” television channel. Both covered recent initiatives by Oprah Winfrey. On the E! television channel (“real”) news, Oprah announced that she is stopping her TV show and beginning a new cable TV channel. The Onion News Network (“fake”) news, Oprah announced she was providing some of her lucky fans and admirers with the opportunity to join her in her casket when she dies and be with her forever. Both shows were well produced and had the same format. The subject matter was introduced by co-anchors, followed by a brief film clip of Oprah at a news conference and then to the “on-site” reporter who filled in the viewers with the details of Oprah’s initiatives. The date and format of the new cable TV channel and information about one-way plane tickets and lottery details for the burial “winners,” were reported by the real and fake news, respectively. Baym’s point about the “self-deprecating” nature of the Daily Show hosts actually adding credibility to their views because they appear more unbiased, was very much highlighted by the two clips. The breathless seriousness that is displayed during “real” broadcasts is very much brought out by the satire of the fake news delivered with the same breathless seriousness by the “fake” reporters. The fake news also highlights the gatekeeping and agenda setting functions of the traditional news media and puts a bright light on how seriously they take themselves and the thin line between being an advocate, a comedian, or a journalist. There is a re-evaluation of discourse going on, as Baym points out, and I think it is a healthy thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment