The Problem with MSNBC

[Snotcicles]

23. What got to me was when I noticed them tampering with the visual aspects.

Gimmicks like exaggerated hand gestures, and visual amplification, make me feel like the whole process of delivery of content has been so scrutinized and manipulated that they have lost focus on the content itself. Years ago I started noticing a trend in the way sports commentators seemed to be being coached while on camera to certain movements and gestures that they weren't doing off camera. It now seems all so choreographed, I have gotten pretty good at predicting when one of them is going to put their finger tips together, or twist their ring around their finger, all while saying the dumbest crap. Or at which break they will no longer have their jacket on. It cracks my kids up, it's like a play by play on the play by players.
I was watching John King standing in front of his magic board doing election prediction, or something, when he moved his hand outward the camera would magnify the size by maybe ten fold. I don't know if it is being manipulated or if the camera is doing it on it's own. Maybe someone here knows. The point is I think our media sources are so focused on the visual production and cheap distraction techniques to mesmerize those who would rather turn-off when tuned-in rather than appeal to a more information driven consumer.
Maybe they see how intellectually lazy we have become, and think after all their efforts to make that happen, the momentum is in their favor, and they will take full advantage of it.
It's all fun and games when I'm watching sports. But when I'm being sold thoughtful analysis and an informed point of view, leave out the filler. "The Problem with MSNBC" is they do it also.