The LA Times published an article today, which basically stated that Paris Hilton received a much harsher sentence than most others with similar cases in LA County.  Why is this important to me?  It's not because I intend to defend Paris Hilton or her actions.  Instead, I will criticize MSNBC and explain why I've resumed watching CNN as my default news network.

For the past few weeks during daytime hours, MSNBC has been running stories and interviewing guests about the Paris Hilton situation once or twice per hour.  Nearly every time, they focus on how Paris is supposedly receiving special treatment.  The "stories" are not objective; they just trash her; I mean they really trash her.  (A couple of links to MSNBC print stories about Paris Hilton are presented below.)  It's quite annoying.  You don't have to be mean or misstate the facts in order to find reasons not to like Paris Hilton.  But, for some reason, MSNBC spends an inordinate amount of time on this.  Why?

I suppose the answer is that people want to see and hear it.  I generally believe that the media reflects the attitudes and preferences of the general public, that viewers and readers affect the media, not the other way around.  I still believe this, but after reading some of Barak Obama's book and after being deluged with Paris, I'm beginning to think it is a two-way street.  I can't imagine that anyone who is truly interested in the day's news really wants to hear this much about Paris Hilton, especially if it's not even hard news.

Maybe I'm wrong about most people's preferences, but it doesn't really matter.  For now, I'm happy watching CNN as I get ready for work.  Now, if they would just get rid of Lou Dobbs, it would be perfect.

Links:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19198279/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18491820/

 

What did you think of this article?

Liked
Disliked
No Opinion