When news media stick to 'scripts,' check transcripts

[Reciprocity]

Well like they say the proof is in the pudding.


When news media stick to 'scripts,' check transcripts
By PAUL KRUGMAN

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If you really want to see cable news scripts in action, look at the coverage of the Democratic convention. Commercial broadcast TV covered only one hour a night. We'll see whether the GOP gets equal treatment. C-Span, on the other hand, provided commentary-free, comprehensive coverage. But many people watched the convention on cable news channels, and what they saw was shaped by a script portraying Democrats as angry Bush-haters who disdain the military.

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CNN used to be different, but Campaign Desk, which is run by the Columbia Journalism Review, concluded after reviewing convention coverage that CNN "has stooped to slavish imitation of Fox's most dubious ploys and policies." Seconds after John Kerry's speech, CNN gave Ed Gillespie, the Republican Party's chairman, the opportunity to bash the candidate. Will Terry McAuliffe be given the same opportunity right after President Bush speaks?

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Commentators worked hard to spin scenes that didn't fit the script. Some simply saw what they wanted to see. On Fox, Michael Barone asserted that conventioneers cheered when Kerry criticized Bush but were silent when he called for military strength. Check out the video clips at Media Matters; there was tumultuous cheering when Kerry talked about a strong America.
Another technique, pervasive on both Fox and CNN, was to echo Republican claims of an "extreme makeover" — the assertion that what viewers were seeing wasn't the true face of the party. (Apparently all those admirals, generals and decorated veterans were ringers.)
For more.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/2721538