The Inspiration and Creation of the Right-Wing Propaganda Machine
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Op-ed by
TheWiseOldFart
Fox News began broadcasting in 1996. The story claims that
billionaire newspaper magnate, Rupert Murdoch and former Republican strategist,
Roger Ailes, decided to create a television news network devoted to the
conservative side of politics.
Some of this may be true, but I believe the inspiration
began in the 1980’s. Rupert Murdoch is all about the money, and the original
idea came from the most popular television broadcasts of that decade.
TRASH TV
In the 1980’s, daytime talk shows dominated the ratings on
weekdays. The phenomenon likely began with Phil Donahue. He was the first to
put a microphone in an audience member’s face. He was followed by Sally Jessy
Raphael, Rikki Lake, Montel Williams, Geraldo Rivera, Maury Povich, Jerry
Springer, Jenny Jones, Oprah Winfrey, and others.
No longer were the men and women on stage celebrities, they
were guests who fit into the “topic of the day.” Those topics ranged from overeating
disorders, to more salacious situations involving infidelity, and “who’s the
father.”
SENSATIONALISM SELLS ADVERTISING
In television, ratings are everything. The higher the
ratings, the greater advertising revenue. This fact was the impetus for nearly
every show, and one fact became evident: sensationalism significantly increased
ratings.
These talk shows became known as “trash television.”
There were riots on stage, individual fights from opposing
sides of the subject, chairs were used as weapons, nothing was a surprise and
no subject was off limits.
21ST CENTURY TRASH TELEVISION
In the 21st century, new types of “trash
television” exist. Like the daytime talk shows, they make millions of dollars
and have a very low overhead. They are advertised as “reality television.”
I believe that the only reality television exists in
collegiate and professional sports. Every two years, the Olympic Games can be
added.
When a television show has directors, producers, scripts,
lighting, sound, and video experts, as well as make-up artists and a wardrobe
department, nothing is “real.”
FOX NEWS IS NOT “NEWS”
I have only watched one show on Fox, and that was in 1996.
Within 10 minutes, I realized the term “news” did not apply. Bill O’Reilly was
interviewing a Democrat. He never allowed his “guest” to complete a sentence,
talking over him incessantly. Fox has only become worse and is clearly a
right-wing extremist propaganda machine.
It’s format mimics the 1980 daytime television talk shows.
The stories presented must contain content which incites a strong emotional
response, sensationalism. The truth is of no importance. The only thing that
matters is ratings.
Today, all television news is based on Fox blueprint. Seldom
is the entire truth about a person or situation revealed to the public. Most
“news” broadcasts are in reality “entertainment.” By definition, very little
“news” is offered to the viewers.
THE BOOB TUBE
Radio was the only form of entertainment in the homes of
most Americans until the 1950’s. It was often referred to as the “boob
tube," and that wasn’t far from the truth. Evolution came in the form of
old movies and news becoming available to all Americans.
However, in the 1980’s it began to decline, and once again
earned its nickname as the “boob tube.”
MAINSTREAM MEDIA’S FAILURES
After a display of extreme cowardice and a growing
competition for ratings, all television networks failed to have meaningful and
informative broadcasts for most of the day and night.
During the 2016 campaign, I was saddened by two facts:
television personalities failed to challenge Trump’s staff during interviews.
Pence, Conway, and the others were allowed to avoid answering direct questions
and offer Trump’s lies about his agenda. Although it is a violation of the law,
the media covered Trump far more frequently than all other candidates combined.
In fact, Trump received five-times more overage. “Sensationalism.”
On November 9, 2016, the day after Trump’s rigged victory, I
promised myself that never again would I watch television news. I have kept
that promise. I despise liars, and I believe by boycotting the boob tube and its
fake news, my IQ has increased exponentially.
You should do the same, unless you enjoy being lied to.
MURDOCK IS AN ENEMIY OF THE PEOPLE
Fox News is an abomination. Its policies have divided our
nation for the last 30 years. If you are a regular viewer, you have been
brainwashed and surrendered your right and responsibility to think freely and
without advanced prejudice.
America once stood for “freedom and justice for all.” Rejoin
our country and defeat the efforts of the American Nazi Party to destroy the dreams
of our Founding Fathers.
Op-ed by James Turnage
Follow my blog and be informed
Sources: https://theweek.com/articles/880107/why-fox-news-created
https://my1053wjlt.com/can-you-name-all-of-these-talk-show-hosts-from-the-80s-and-90s/
https://www.revolt.tv/article/16-classic-talk-shows-that-defined-daytime-television
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