uPolitico

Since the inception of 24 hours news networks, we have become accustomed to instant news, opinions, and many times, worthless propaganda. There are clear differences between the three large networks: CNN, FOX, and MSNBC. I believe that all three of them have an agenda and have a lock on a particular market. As I see it, the biggest problem is that some of the biggest “stars” on each network are more concerned about spreading their propaganda, instead of reporting the news.  So let me give you my opinion on these networks.

First, we need to look at the network that started it all, the “older brother” of them all, CNN. Currently, Time Warner owns CNN, and the company, with its vast resources is able to access news worldwide, much easier than its competitors are. I believe that some of the anchors are great at what they do. As an example, Anderson Cooper, I believe, allows the viewer to form his own opinion. Anderson also tackles the issues and has a sense of adventure.  As an example, when Haiti was hit by an earthquake, Anderson was on location in no time. He came into our living rooms and we felt the pain of the Haitian people. The same can be said about Katrina, and the oil spill. Anderson is not afraid of getting his hands dirty, to be in the middle of a natural disaster, or of a man-made conflict.

I also enjoy watching Rick Sanchez. It is obvious that Rick enjoys his job and he wants us all to become involved on what is happening. I enjoy the fact that he Tweets, uses Facebook, and any other medium that will help him stay in touch with his audience. With his charm and passion, no wondering that Rick Sanchez is fast becoming one of the most popular anchors in the news industry. I cannot forget about Wolf Blitzer. I believe he is a great anchor, who understands the issues he shares with us. I believe that he also makes an effort to allow us to think by our self.

CNN has also managed to hire some loonies. As an example, I think that Larry King is one of the most bias individuals in the industry. Although he is not an “anchor”, in the sense of the word, he has become the face of CNN. More than an anchor, Larry King is an entertainer. He manages to line-up some of the most liberal people I have ever seen. As an example, not too long ago, he had Jesse Ventura and Oliver Stone – together! Should he invite Chavez and Castro? In fact, those four admire and love each other. Another one of his more frequent guests is the so-called comedian, Bill Maher. I believe this guy has serious issues and he should start his own liberal network. It is also clear that one of King’s heroes is President Obama. Nothing wrong with that, but please, do not make it so obvious!

Finally, CNN Headline News managed to hire Joy Behar – oh joy! You would have to look very hard to find a more annoying, self-righteous, and annoying individual. Her level of reasoning cannot appeal to an educated audience and I believe that her “charm” may not be sufficient to keep her in the air for too long. CNN might as well hire her to do her own reality show. If you think about it, her guests leave much to be desired when it comes to sharing unbiased knowledge. Furthermore, it does bother me that she is so clearly left wing. Nobody should be that radical and stay in business, which brings me to Fox News.

Take your pick – Hannity or Beck? Not much to say about those two individuals other than the fact that they have an agenda: Trash every move that Obama makes. You may say, it is fine with me – I do not like Obama. The problem is that there is no way that Obama has not benefited the country in one way or another, but Hannity and Beck would never report that, instead, they will tell us everything that is wrong with any policy. I think what makes this even scarier is the fact that Hannity manages to keep a prime time show, with high ratings. By the way, enough with all those blackboards Beck! It makes me feel like if I am in school and you are the “professor” (Wait – that is what you want, right?)

What about Bill O’Reilly? I believe that O’Reilly will say whatever is necessary to stay number one in the ratings. I believe that he changes positions as needed, and he is extremely concerned about his “tough” image – which I do not think he is as tough as he believes he is. O’Reilly is also constantly reminding his audience that he is not a right-winger, but rather an independent. That in itself tells me that he needs to come to terms with his own inadequacies. In addition, what is with all these strange little skits – such as the lady who reads body language? I do have to say, he is entertaining, charming, and he, like Beck, knows how to sell merchandise and books. They should both partner-up and open a car dealership.

What about Huckabee and his show? It reminds me of a show I would watch with my grandpa. Did this guy run for President of the U.S.? He seems to be a great guy, but he is a little odd. Fox does have some decent anchors in their staff, such as Shepard Smith, Greta, and Cavuto. Even though Cavuto shows his colors from time to time, he manages to have guests with different opinions, unlike Hannity who keeps bringing the same radicals repeatedly.

I wish I could discuss MSNBC, but I have not watched them during the last two or three years. Between Olbermann, Maddow, and Chris Matthews, those three are enough to fill anyone’s cup of Bush bashing. I think that the day they hired Maddow is when I decided that MSNBC had gone over the edge. It was enough to have to hear Olbermann’s countdowns and meltdowns over every move Bush made, but the ex-ESPN anchor just proved to be too much for me. I believe that this network is the opposite of FOX, but on steroids. Regardless of your feelings on Fox, you have to admit that their people are good at what they do and they are way more charming then MSNBCs. Perhaps that explains their ratings.

I want to clarify that I do not blame these networks for having an agenda, if I was the owner, and I had to invest that kind of money, you bet that my message would be carried over the airways. The problem is the audience. We become so wrapped up on a particular show and suddenly we lose the capacity to think and rationalize. Besides MSNBC (which I keep forgetting it exists and I never watch) I do enjoy many shows on FOX and CNN. I will be the first one to tell you that I watch King, Hannity, O’Reilly, Sanchez, Behar, Cavuto, and the rest of them. I take all that information and then I form my own opinion. I believe that one of the best tools we have as an audience is that of having the ability of gathering information from all sides, so we cannot only defend our line of thinking, but also attack theirs. The question is, do we do that?

We need to learn who the messenger is, what his/her agenda is, try to understand their point of view, consider the individual’s background, and come up with our own idea. Do not let Beck or Olbermann formulate your ideas. Have a backbone, understand and research issues, and watch the news with an open mind. That way, you will be able to defend your ideas and you will grow as a thinker.

Tags: 24 hours news, Anderson Cooper, Bill Maher, Bill O'Reilly, Cavuto, Chris Matthews, CNN, FOX, Glenn Beck, Hannity, Huckabee, Jesse Ventura, Joy Behar, Keith Olbermann, Larry King, Maddow, MSNBC, Oliver Stone, Rick Sanchez, Shepard Smith, Wolf Blitzer

admin  Jul 31 Rants