This week marks the avalanche of coverage of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The coverage by outlets itself is a major topic of discussion of media ethicist folks--how much is appropriate? And what type of coverage? And that's just the national and NY media in particular.
I've already noticed and heard several promos of 9/11 "specials" here in SF. Virtually all the TV outlets and radio/newspaper outlets plan on doing detailed 10th-anniv. stories. I don't think that's a good call.
This is a huge dilemma, I gather that. But truly, the events of Sept. 11, 2001 don't warrant massive SF-area specials and extended coverage. Acknowledgement? Yes. Reflection? Of course. But not a blitz of overwrought and 'local angle' segments--its inappropriate at best and tacky at worst. As much as 9/11 was a national tragedy and something all of us will never forget, it was centered in NY, Penn. and Washington, largely, and most of the victims were from the East Coast.
Moreover, overload coverage from local news here and anywhere else for that matter, only will reinforce the notion by viewers and listeners alike that the news media is exploiting 9/11. Again, granted, it's the tenth anniversary. But leave that to CNN, the NY Times, and National Geographic and other cablers to bring us back to that terrible Tuesday ten years ago.
This is not something that SF media outlets should highlight--yeah, let the other guys do it and show a little deference. That's the right call.
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Many of the heroes of United 93 were from the bay area.
ReplyDeleteNot a Bay Area story? The last administration used the 9/11 attacks as an excuse to invade 2 countries. We're still trying to dig our way out of that fiasco.
ReplyDeleteIt is very much a Bay Area, national and international story.
It "sells paper", what do you expect from the media now a days when they are more involved with "being the news" than "report it".....agree with you on"acknowledgement" and "reflection", but somehow, I think our media geniuses will turn it into "sensationalizing"......!!!
ReplyDeleteI was going to write what 10:14 wrote.
ReplyDelete10:14 is spot on.
ReplyDeleteThis is a NATIONAL thing, not a localized East Coast thing. You're way off on this, Rich, and maybe watching a special or two will remind you that its affects went way beyond even our country.
The only thing I might agree with you about is it is a day for remembrance and grieving. Why. Pres. Bush branded it "Patriot Day" just doesn't work. Patriot Day makes it sound like a 2nd 4th of July. But then we could fill plenty of space here talking about President Bush.
Completely agree with Rich. Remember and reflect, for sure. But this never-ending wallowing in tragedy just tells those who wish us harm that it doesn't take much to make us buckle. Contrast our response to that of the Brits after the subway bombings or during WW2. The WW2 generation endured the Great Depression and hundreds of thousands of battle casulties and then returned to our shores and got to work building the country, barely ever speaking of what they experienced. JW
ReplyDeleteDittos on 10:14 et al. Turn off the television Rich and reflect on causes and aftermath of 911. You're tipping your hand with your bay area provincial attitude about 911.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely be tuning out of local coverage and will be watching mostly national coverage. I don't need to see how bad amateur hour gets watching KTVU or any other Bay Area outlet.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is the 10th anniversary of a horrible, devastating tragedy. However, the amount of local media coverage that I've heard about is definitely overkill.
ReplyDeleteI was also going to write what 10:14 wrote.
ReplyDeleteThere should be local coverage, as stated above - but I think Comcast Sports Bay Area doesn't need to be involved (which, of course, they are). That's where things get inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteOkay, you really don't know what you're talking about. 9/11 will likely go down as the most significant day in our lifetime and for our generation. The 10th anniversary is a time to see how far we've come as a nation, to see how the victims are doing 10 years later and a time to reflect and pay tribute to those who died that day. United Flight 93 was en route to SFO. Many people on that plane were from the Bay Area and many of their loved ones still live in the Bay Area. Again, you REALLY don't know what you're talking about. I only read your blog if there is good industry gossip. Your opinions and commentary about local news I could definitely do without.
ReplyDeleteIf CSN BA gets involved in the 9 11 coverage, then they are making another travesty piled on to their sucktastic programming.
ReplyDelete9 11 is a huge event for national/international news coverage. I don't see how the local coverage will fare any better especially if it's overblown.
Guess I'll be watching lots of college football and NFL over the weekend.