Originally published Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
IFC takes a look at the U.S. media from all angles
"The IFC Media Project" is a series of half-hour reports that explores corporate and government influence, revenues and simple expediency, among other forces shaping the media's news coverage.
The Associated Press
TV Lookout |
Considering how many shows tell you how to dress, lose weight, fix your house or find love, it's unfortunate you don't get more help in understanding the news media.
For the next six weeks, the meager list of TV resources has been boosted by one remarkably informative entry: "The IFC Media Project."
Don't let the academic-sounding title put you off. This series of half-hour reports takes the subject seriously, but goes about it in a brisk, direct, sometimes wry-witted way. The series explores corporate and government influence, revenues and simple expediency, among other forces shaping the media's news coverage.
All by itself, the first piece on the premiere (at 8 p.m. Tuesday) reveals a lot — pack-journalism mentality, an obsession with ratings and the need to fill hours of airtime inexpensively — by asking: Why are the media obsessed with missing white girls?
A major part of the answer: A publicity agent who makes big bucks as a ghoulish "talent scout," identifying cases with the potentially broadest audience appeal and, with the complicity of media outlets, making absentee "stars" of the victims he helps "launch."
Another extremely valuable piece investigates how the pro-Israel lobby helps shape media coverage of Israel and relations with the U.S. It's an eye-opening look at a hot-button issue.
Next week: A primer on how the Bush administration sold the Iraq war to the American people with strategies such as the embed program and military consultants given airtime on the networks.
The series' host is Peabody- and Emmy-winning journalist Gideon Yago. And its creator is Meghan O'Hara, whose film credits include a longtime collaboration with Michael Moore on his features "Sicko," "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling for Columbine" — an association that may cause some viewers to swear off "The IFC Media Project" without so much as a glance.
But that would be a shame. Members of the public who most doubt (or even hate) the media may find useful arguments in this series. Why, then, just simmer in resentment?
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
![]()
'Surviving the Holidays with Lewis Black' on History Channel is a Monday TV pick
'So You Think You Can Dance' tour visits Everett
End of an era: Oprah ending show after 25 years
'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with 'New Moon' stars is a Friday TV pick
Chastity to Chaz: Bono says sex change 'best decision'

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Sporting goods
just listed
8 Drawer Dresser with Attached Mirror - $200
8 seat pecon formal dining table and china hutch - $1500
A American Table, Chairs and Bench - $275
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
shopping
Give yourself a treat and visit Watson Kennedy's Holiday Open Houses
More minding the store
events for Monday, Nov. 23
- Kimberly Baker Jewelry Launch Party
- Bella Umbrella Holiday Sale
- CraftsGiving
- Beyond Threads Outlet Biannual Clearance Sale
editors' picks
More shopping guides- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Tugboat sinks at Seattle waterfront pier
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Woman stabbed by stranger in North Seattle
- Snow piles up on Cascade slopes
- Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come
- Illegal workers quietly let go
289 - Climate change speeds up since 1997 Kyoto accord
176 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
167 - Palin excitement builds in Tri-Cities
132 - Metro won't cut bus service after all
126 - Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle
91 - Tattoos at Mill Creek Church pierce skin, soul
72 - Jerry Brewer: Seahawks can't lean on the Hutch Crutch now
66 - UW, WSU once again meet to see who's worse
62 - New Husky recruit: Enes Kanter
55
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Tattoos at Mill Creek church pierce skin, soul
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Food-safety lawyer's wish: Put me out of business
- Rediscovering Moab, 'the most beautiful place on Earth'
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Architects, chefs find 'kid' within to build Gingerbread Village
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Taste | The Great Pie Bake-off pits friends and fruit

