Neil Postman's "Reach Out and Elect Someone" - Hillary Clinton New Hampshire Primary

I enjoyed reading the latest chapter from Postman entitled “Reach Out and Elect Someone.” One argument I agree with is that “we are inclined to vote for those whose personality, family life, and style” are the most favorable among the candidates. I feel that there are many people our there that know squat about politics but choose to vote based on the values of the candidates seen in the media. For example, I remember hearing a few days ago that Hillary Clinton cried in public showing her compassion for the nation. (See Video Below). Immediately following this event, there was mass speculation on several news circuits granting Hillary a victory in gaining more voters just because of her response. This applies to Postman’s argument because people who witnessed this event are beginning to sense that she is an empathetic, strong woman who cares about the nation. Therefore, she is receiving lots of media attention for her reaction that day and many spectators are crediting that moment to her victory at the New Hampshire primary.

Neil Postman's "The Age of Show Business" - If It Bleeds It Leads

I found the reading for “The Age of Show Business” by Postman very intriguing. In particular, one argument he made that I agree with is that a “news show, to put it plainly, is a format for entertainment, not for education, reflection or catharsis” (p. 87-88). After having two summer internships at CBS National News and Time Warner New York City local news, I agree with Postman’s argument because newscasts every night report on crimes, deaths and problems that have little relevance to those watching. After being involved in the “news world” for two years I have learned of the popular saying, “if it bleeds…it leads.” There have been many articles in circulation putting down news broadcasts for their content. Here is one I found very interesting: http://www.fair.org/media-beat/951213.html This article relates to Postman’s views and lists several newscast statistics that you may be very surprised about.

Almost all news programs live by this statement as a way of catching the viewers at the beginning of the newscast to suck them in and keep them for the remainder of the half hour, immersing them in flashy graphics, exciting music and most importantly – lengthy commercial breaks. For those who are not familiar with the television business, commercials that are shown are from the sponsors of each individual show. Television shows cannot function without sponsorship thus all shows on broadcast television depend on commercials to keep their shows on the air. Ultimately, I do not understand why the American public is so fascinated by death and violence. However, I do know that the news producers are very smart and know how to keep your attention focused at all times.

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