My simple point has been that the media were increasingly being bought up and slanted by militant Right wingers. That this would change everything as RW messaging would gain near-exclusive access to America's TV sets. And that this would also be what needed fixing before America could recover from the damage that such unfettered propagandizing would bring about.
The entire Bushco coup was not possible - and can't remain standing - without the scaffolding of the Captive Media (my term for the MSM). The 24/7 support (which more often takes the form of the undermining and mis representing of progressives)that is delivered to every TV screen in the nation is what stands between us and our rights.
I even made my own foray into radio 20 years ago to try and have an influence against the rightward drive the entire industry was taking - but was not successful. Beginning in about 1990, I began a sporadic letter-writing "campaign" advocating for a network where lefty thought could be presented unfiltered and uncorrupted.
I have been hampered by chronic illness but still try and do my part. I cheered the creation of Air America - even though it differs in some respects from my vision of a lefty network - and feel that it is only the beginning. We must now find a way to get our voices onto the Captive Media itself.
So often, all that is needed is for the token liberals on any panel "discussion" on the Captive Media to reject the framing forced upon them by the Network spokesmodels. Today, a perfect example is available from Howard Dean on the Chris Matthews obfuscation-fest.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/05/26.html#a8455By simply refusing the framing Dean wins and Matthews comes off as a weirdly obsessed, trivial propagandist clearly grasping at any and all straws to try and tarnish any and all Democrats. This technique must be learned and repeated by all Democrats, Liberal radio hosts, bloggers and all folks of a liberal persuasion that might be asked to fill the Token Liberal Guest chair on network TV.
Remember, Liberals MUST be invited onto these shows in order for them to maintain the thin veneer of "objectivity" that they still must maintain. What has been wrong in the past is that liberals have not SEIZED every second of these appearances to simply reject the framing - if nothing else. And...if a bit more time is allowed by the Spokesmodel, to get one short and upsetting point in.
Something like:
Token Liberal guest:I think talk of the Clinton's marriage is pointless and tawdry celebrity gossip. What _I_ am wondering today, Chris, is if your news-staff here at _____ has any information on the originator of the anthrax letters that were sent to congress members back in 2001? I am surprised that such a story could so completely disappear.
Spokesmodel: Stuttering/stammering/unprepared.
TLG: I mean, the guy who did this killed people and he is still out there free and clear.......you MUST be planning a report........yes?
This, of course, is done in the kindest, gentlest, most respectful way possible. And network CXYZ cannot possibly ignore a challenge like that can they. People died. The guy is out there.
And if TLG #1 is banned from that network, TLG #2 can take a different opportunity to say:
Token Liberal Guest #2: You know, Chris, it's interesting that you bring up this idea of relationships with your report on the Clinton marriage....it makes me think of Jeff Gannon. You know, I'm sure, that he's the male prostitute who was given a fake name and fake press identity and went on to enter the White House nearly 200 times. Does your staff have any information on what Gannon's "relationships" (does the quote-fingers thing) might have been inside the white house?
Spokesmodel: stuttering/stammering/unprepared.
TLG: I mean, 200 times is a whole lot. And is the White House where male prostitutes should be found?????
Lather, rinse , repeat.
No yelling. No sarcasm. Just simple questions featuring simple, disturbing points that millions of Americans are also quietly wondering about all by themselves (or so they think!). Points that ANY real newsroom should be looking into. All the while rejecting the message framing that NO newsroom should be producing.
So, fasten your sealtbelts it could be a very bumpy ride!
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