When the Telecommunications Act of 1996 took out Talk Radio and the little people, a vacuum of immense proportions presented itself to the media moguls. New networks effectively replaced the old ones and Talk Radio even began to be shown on television. With the introduction of the Internet the whole business of influencing the public became more complicated. While the Media was being controlled by fewer people, new television and radio shows needed staffing. The media captains began manning their new vessels with interesting crews who were obviously second string.
I believe the ordinary person who works and doesn’t have cable or satellite television is unaware of the impact of the new communication’s reality on millions of Americans. I didn’t know about Kathie Lee or Regis, FOX News, MSNBC, or CNN until I replaced my TV rabbit ears with cable. I first realized the reach of the new networks when I watched cable TV in a car dealership while the state truck was being repaired. Morning television used to be soap operas, re-runs, and game shows. This was something new.
Recently I’ve noticed disturbing cracks in the media’s facade of objective reporting. MSNBC’s political commentator and socialist apologist declared that President Obama is the perfect man. Bill O’Reilly, a Fox TV host, practically foamed at the mouth while attacking Alan Colmes. A female host scowled at a proponent of the Defense of Marriage Act. (At least look like you’re neutral). An old civil rights agitator who’s addicted to playing the race card while hiding behind the cloth is hired and retained by a network. There was another who wanted everyone to know he was gay by “coming out” on national television. Added to the motley crews are legions of so-called seasoned political experts who look like eighth graders. Who are these people anyway?
I propose full disclosure like the information required of politicians and the Nutrition Facts listed on vegetable cans. I’m from Missouri. Show me. While not discriminating against them, it’s fair to hold them to the same standards that they demand of our elected representatives. (1) Reveal their age. Don’t tell me about the past you know nothing about. (2) Education. Being a Berkeley alumnus or high school dropout would affect my evaluation of your report. (3) Sexual orientation. Is the commentator a member of the Man-Boy Love Association? (4) Religion, if any. Is he an atheist commenting on Christianity? Don’t pretend to be neutral or fair. (5) Work experience. Has he or she ever been unemployed or had to work for a living? (6) Do you use or have ever used narcotics? Are you soft on pot because you’re a pothead? (7) Economic disclosure. Does he have an economic motive for advocating particular issues? (8) Residence. Living on Fire Island or in a cult commune could be indicators of extreme behavior. (9) Criminal record. Do the networks even have security clearances? Do they hire felons?
Total disclosure is fair and balanced. Our employers demand it of us. Background checks for government service are routine. Running for political office demands it. The army of television hosts and political commentators shape the destiny of our politicians. It’s only fair that the public should know more about these network people by having their ingredients listed somewhere. Their odd and outrageous behavior is making that clear.
