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Baraka_Guru · 09-06-2007, 07:08 PM

I tend to stay away from most news, but I do read headlines via news aggregators, and the occasional article. More often than not, when I do read an article, it is something from the CBC or the Associated Press. Even then, I only look at it on the surface. In a way, I look at it as an unconfirmed report. In both high school and university I have taken media classes, so I have a rudimentary understanding of how news media works. I was a bit appalled, actually.

I'm reluctant to call most news sources something as ironically sensational as "liars," so I won't. Those rumourmongers don't deserve to be treated like that.

Seriously, though, I look at news--especially from major conglomerates--as little more than information that acts as a precursor to knowledge. Try this out: Do a media audit of a major event, from its occurrence to its fallout. Next, do some research and read an assortment of books that cover the same event--especially books published after the fallout has lapsed a bit. Contrast and compare. I'd be frightened to do something like this with the Rwandan genocide. It would be taxing, I think. Another interesting project would be the run up to the war in Iraq. Do the audit between 9/11 and when George Bush announced "Mission Accomplished." Now go read some books.

No, seriously, go read some books.

Now, it's true that you have to be careful with books, too, but at least books have a certain level of accountability that arises out of their "shelf life." Also, books have a lot more riding on them because of length, cost, and reputation. Authors tend to face to more (and sustained) criticism with books as a result. Also, where they are coming from is easily laid bare. But even within book publishing, you see the same problems with huge concentration of producers.

Don't get me started on Random House.

09-06-2007, 07:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	I tend to stay away from most news, but I do read headlines via news aggregators, and the occasional article. More often than not, when I do read an article, it is something from the CBC or the Associated Press. Even then, I only look at it on the surface. In a way, I look at it as an unconfirmed report. In both high school and university I have taken media classes, so I have a rudimentary understanding of how news media works. I was a bit appalled, actually. I'm reluctant to call most news sources something as ironically sensational as "liars," so I won't. Those rumourmongers don't deserve to be treated like that. Seriously, though, I look at news--especially from major conglomerates--as little more than information that acts as a precursor to knowledge. Try this out: Do a media audit of a major event, from its occurrence to its fallout. Next, do some research and read an assortment of books that cover the same event--especially books published after the fallout has lapsed a bit. Contrast and compare. I'd be frightened to do something like this with the Rwandan genocide. It would be taxing, I think. Another interesting project would be the run up to the war in Iraq. Do the audit between 9/11 and when George Bush announced "Mission Accomplished." Now go read some books. No, seriously, go read some books. Now, it's true that you have to be careful with books, too, but at least books have a certain level of accountability that arises out of their "shelf life." Also, books have a lot more riding on them because of length, cost, and reputation. Authors tend to face to more (and sustained) criticism with books as a result. Also, where they are coming from is easily laid bare. But even within book publishing, you see the same problems with huge concentration of producers. Don't get me started on Random House. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot Last edited by Baraka_Guru; 09-06-2007 at 07:10 PM.. Reason: typo