Aaron Osterby wrote: > > I also have trouble with the idea that newspapers are somehow altruistic by > their very nature. I realize that this is something that is important for > reporters to convince themselves of, but I can't get away from the > connection between public relations and corporate power and the fact that > giant corporations run the media. It seems like big business being in > control of what we read every day is harmful to democracy if you believe > that democracy is about what we covered in civics class, that people should > determine the shape of their communities. >
Chris responds: Newspapers and journalists seem less willing to play "heroic" roles in communities. Respectable newspapers don't much rock the boat these days. "Controversy" now belongs to the Murdoch-styled tabloids, which usually means controversy without substance or, bettter put, news without genuine news value. Local television isn't much better. Last I heard, the public still owns airwaves and stations must demonstrate they are operating in the public interest. But no one has yet explained to me how the ever-increasing blocks of schedule time given over to back-to-back infomercials interests anyone. (Hell, it's hard enough finding a decent old movie to watch on local stations). Corporate - owned radio, with its tight playlist formats and occasional shock jocks, is a joke. Overall, It is certainly a blander mediascape. If public opinion had been co-opted by media entities that had something interesting to say, I wouldn't be so bothered. Instead, we seem to have sold out to the dullest bidders. What happens to the interent will be interesting to watch - or then again, maybe not. Chris Beckwith Ward 6 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
