I admit to watching and listening to too much talk radio and too much cable news. It might even be called an addiction. Most people end up listening to ideas and thoughts that are in agreement with their own basic ideas. They are looking for commentators who support their own opinions. Those commentators, many are seeking elective office, say things that endear them to their base. Thus, Mike Huckabee, who is a potential presidential candidate, says lots of foolish things that his base of followers wants to hear even if he knows his comments are completely false.
On CNBC on Saturday morning, co-host Becky Quick stirred things up by citing recent guests who pointed to inflation being a “big, big problem” and statements that yet another round of quantitative easing would be necessary to keep the economy from going “off a cliff” as consumers need more “assistance” due to high oil prices.
Of course, she didn’t cite guests who were calmer about what was going on due to the fact such guests don’t often appear on CNBC and because Quick’s job is to raise viewer anxiety. Such story lines are promoted to keep viewers tuning in for the latest developments and “breaking news.”
Local television news rarely reports anything about government activities, laws passed, or industries succeeding. However, if you want to see the current car chase or the day’s violence then those television channels are the ones to watch.
So just remember that “breaking news” really is tabloid news. Dull and incompetent speakers are rarely on the air. If they are it will be very rare. The will never be back for a second chance.
Coast Contact 