Flashback - LA Times Article Revealed Arrogance and Manipulation of Big Media

[Median Democrat]

There has been a growing clash between the Big Media filters on what is happening and relevant, and what people actually interest in, and what Obama is saying to the American people. Big Media has been busy trying to fan outrage over an Obama remark about the special Olympics or discussing AIG bonuses. However, Obama has been out and about addressing the things that got him elected such as education, energy, employment and the economy. Not surprisingly, the media has given voice to critics who suggest that Obama should not be wasting his time talking directly to the American public.

So, why is Big Media so threatened? Well, here is an old article in which a Big Media reporter candidly describes how Big Media feels entitled to control the agenda of what topics should be addressed:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/la-na-onthemedia10-2008aug10,0,6829685.story

/snip

'Dialing for dummies" is what campaign pros once called the practice, and it goes like this: As presidential candidates tour the country, their political operatives offer small newspapers and TV stations a chance to interview the would-be presidents.

The reporters -- sometimes awe-struck -- jump at the chance. They get to boast to readers and viewers that they got an "exclusive" with a national figure (even if the interview lasts just five minutes). And the candidates get to send their message into voters' homes -- often with little or no critical analysis.

Barack Obama and John McCain have made a significant push for local media coverage in recent weeks -- often to loud protests from the big guns from Washington and New York, who got stuck on the plane or bus, demanding face time with the candidates.

It's tempting to dump all over this seemingly cynical process. But what in presidential campaign coverage isn't a little cynical or, at least, symbiotic?

After looking at a lot of local news reports this week, I found a fabulously mixed bag. Many small-town reporters allowed the candidates to deliver their message of the day without imposing their own priorities or horse-race histrionics. Imagine that.

Other locals got so caught up in their Moment Alongside Greatness that they embarrassed themselves, gushing all over McCain and Obama.

I'm glad the locals get their shot. They offer a less cynical view that the public might otherwise not receive and focus on issues closer to home. And I'm relieved knowing that the time will come for the national media, which are best positioned to watch the candidates evolve, to demand they explain changes in position and to help set the agenda for the day.

"It's important to have this cynical, hard-nosed group of national reporters to put those who want to be president to the test," said Joe Lockhart, a onetime spokesman for President Clinton and a media advisor to other Democrats. "But in Peoria and Albuquerque, reporters have an obligation to report on what the candidate said and to do it that day. That's good too."

/snip

[uponit7771]

1. Big media now lets dems & reps spout talking points without follow up or few questions, if I wanted

...to know what either one of them were going to say I'd just go to freeperville and read the talking points myself.

The LazyMsM is sloppy