Mass Media, Take 2

As we did not get an update out last week we will continue on March 5th with the discussion we had planned for February 19th . Those who showed up Sunday had a spirited talk about a variety of things including the media, and of course, Dick Cheney's marksmanship.

On February 5th we focused on the power of the media to influence us. Many acknowledged a bias in the mainstream press but we differed when ascribing the reasons for it. The power to manipulate has been taken to a high art by advertisers as they aggressively compete for our attention. They will shamelessly use sex and crudity or go negative if it pays off. They'll tug at our emotions by associating their products with every dream and aspiration we have, no matter how far-fetched that association is. And media will use these tools without regard to standards or consequences. Although they'll stoop low when appealing to any and all audiences, they readily censor themselves so as not to offend, as when they refuse to criticize America or publish cartoons of Mohammed. While considering remedies for media irresponsibility we launched into a debate about free speech, ownership of the airwaves and the need to be informed.

As we dissected the media we examined not only their power but their interconnections as well. With mergers and acquisitions the balance between a free press and corporate interests has become uncertain. Big business, multinationals, mega conglomerates, these terms allude to a frightening scene whereby money equals political power. Has the game become rigged? Are the captains of industry steering the ship of state? Do the concerns of corporate boards and shareholders now trump the public good? Come help us to understand, this Sunday, March 5th, 3 PM at the City Café.