Monday 13 February 2012

The MSM Fiddles As Greece Burns

The Talking Clock makes an excellent point about the priorities of our nation's 24 hour news coverage. Last evening's coverage, on both the BBC and Sky, was dominated initially by the sad death of Whitney Houston (which albeit warrants a mention) and then for hours by pre BAFTA footage of self- congratulatory celebrities walking down the red carpet. Apparently, and this was important, they were adopting a 'green' theme - actor Colin Firth was wearing an 'Eco-friendly sustainable suit', whatever that means? All of this coverage despite that the event had a two hour time slot on BBC One anyway.

Meanwhile on the European continent - on our doorstep - Greece was experiencing severe social, economic and political turmoil. People were rioting, buildings were burning and Greek politicians were voting on approving a new austerity package the failure of which to pass the Parliament could have resulted in Greece exiting the Euro and possibly the breakup of the currency itself.

Not that any of us would have known this following the 'standard' media outlets. We had to instead rely on social networking sites and foreign news channels, such as Russia Today, to follow the unfolding events.

The MSM is retreating rapidly into an ever decreasing circle of relevance.

3 comments:

  1. This is of course, the usual MSM approach to `News` events that don`t entail `The events` portraying the `correct actions. We must remember there is `NO` critisism allowed (Barrosso`s declaration!) of EU, `Troika` determinations...All in the interest of Unity and the Euro.
    After all, it might just give the `indolent`here the wrong message eh? Any ideas? Best to just keep `em emotionally well purged with the`ceeleb/grub. Hey, how timely...The death of a burned out multi over pampered,millionairess (once upon a time...long, long ago)a `Star` Meanwhile, Greece is burning...Ha. Priorities anyone...? Someone...???

    ReplyDelete
  2. Agreed. The BBC's coverage of the Athen's riots, indeed the whole of the Euro crisis in Greece, has been disgraceful.

    It's almost as though, by ignoring the crisis in the Eurozone, they can pretend it isn't happening.

    When you have to turn to Russia Today to find out what is happening in the EU, you know that the BBC in its current format is doomed. It is no longer a serious news broadcaster; just an extension of the celebrity culture that has been created in the UK to keep the sheeple quiet.

    Newsnight, for the first time I recall, devoted a lengthy section of the programme to Greece. But the Greek Minister in favour of austerity and staying in the Euro was given the most airtime and crucially, given the extensive 'last word.' The BBC nails its colours to the mast, yet again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Deedee99 When you have to turn to Russia Today to find out what is happening in the EU, you know that the BBC in its current format is doomed. It is no longer a serious news broadcaster; just an extension of the celebrity culture that has been created in the UK to keep the sheeple quiet.

    Indeed, the irony is dazzlingly...

    ReplyDelete