Recently in the news, the rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners has been the topic of discussion. While watching CNN’s coverage on the rescue, they informed the public on: how they were rescued and what occurred during those 69 days trapped underground; what physical and health problems they would now have to face; and what lies for the miners ahead. They explained how on August 5th, the miners were caved in and were living off of fish and water during their time underground. CNN interviewed one of the miners who said that they didn’t turn on each other, and used a democratic approach when making decisions while holding onto their faith. Following their rescue, a media blitz soon evolved, with offers of movie deals surfacing and suggestions on what the miners would be in for when it came to their so called “second honeymoons’. They shown a clip of the President of Chile speaking in front of the media and was praised for taking control of the situation, carrying out a successfully executed operation.
Comedy Central’s coverage of the Chilean Miners rescue on “The Daily Show” gave a brief overview of the incident. Jon Stewart pointed out what the mainstream news failed to showcase, which included how they were not enduring harsh living conditions that prevented them from detachment of the world. Instead they had a television underground that allowed them to watch soccer games. Not only that, but they did have some nourishment even though it was scarce, but not to the point where they would die from not eating. (Your body can go 40 days without food before it breaks down.) As far as what lied ahead for the miners once they got home, Stewart wasn’t hesitant in saying that the men were going to get, “laid”. In terms of the movie deals offered to the miners, the show pointed out how the miners requested books on how to deal with fame, and how they were well enough to jump around with full blown euphoria despite being trapped for 69 days.
Both television news forms did inform the public on the heroic story of the trapped Chilean Miners, but to a certain extent. CNN’s coverage was very informative and included thick description on the events that occurred during and following the rescue of the miners. This allowed viewers to see the whole picture. Jon Stewarts coverage was not as informative and only focused on the post rescue of the miners, after briefly sharing their heroic rescue. When it came to how the news was presented overall, CNN didn’t have much flexibility to state what they really thought went on with the miners or what would happen afterwards. This is based on the fact that newscasters just burrow facts, which makes them limited to say things outside of realm. “The Daily Show” as commented by Venise Wagner from Rachel Smolkin’s article, “What the Mainstream Media Can Learn from Jon Stewart”, gives a “balance in showing you what’s really going on”. A prime example of this would be Jon Stewart showing a clip of the miners watching soccer on television, to say that they were not living as badly as we thought. Some critics say that “The Daily Show” lacks accuracy since they just get a “whiff of the news and then work with what they have”, whereas mainstream media tells you more accurate information without commentary. Mainstream television takes a more serious approach on presenting the news, which can be beneficial and negative at the same time. It is not bad to focus on the seriousness of certain situations but who wants to listen to depressing stories every day? Stewarts show adds humor to current events, making the news more enjoyable rather than depressing.
When it comes to truthfulness however, “The Daily Show” does do a better job at achieving this, one thing that mainstream television doesn’t. Jon Stewart is bold, and is this is the reason why viewers find him credible and substantive according to an IUP study. If his show didn’t achieve this, than he wouldn’t have been honored with Television Critics Association Award, for Outstanding Achievement in news and information. The times in which we live in are depressing enough so why reiterate this through the media when you can get informed the same thing but adding humor to it? They say humor is the medicine so why not watch a news show that does just that?
Referenced from:
"What the Mainstream Media Can Learn from Jon Stewart." American Journalsim Review. Ed. Rachel Smolkin. June-July 2007. Web. 17 Oct. 2010.
Stephans Mitchell,"Television Transforms the News" Communication in History: Technology, Culture, Society, 6th edition. Boston. Pearson, 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment