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Criticism of Television
Media has been a communication tool that has been used to educate and pass along information to the intended audience. However, the same media, especially television, can be used as a manipulative tool by elite individuals. As Minnow holds, television is a vast wasteland. This discussion focuses on the analysis of television broadcasts as criticized by Minnow.
Minnow’s critique of television in 1960 does not fit today. This is because several aspects of television broadcasting have significantly since then. One aspect of television broadcasting that has changed is the technological aspect. New technologies have impacted the dynamic effects of convergence. This has changed how consumers access audio-visual content. The changing scope of the business has brought about the adoption of this technology. In essence, there is stiff competition for higher ratings in the broadcasting business. Besides, major television corporations are struggling to capture a wider audience base. Many businesses are worried about future demand for audio-visual content. Similarly, the applicability of competition laws and regulations gets harder due to the changing scope of technology. Therefore, his critique cannot hold at present due to the changing scope of the broadcasting business.
The influence of television in communities should not be under-estimated. In the olden days, people listened to the radio, read books and magazines, or sat in groups and told old stories. When the television was invented, serious concerns were raised over its possible effects on society. The American community was worried the television might turn America into a communist. However, television played a significant role in the 1960s. It was the medium by which issues affecting the American community were addressed. In essence, television broadcasters at the time had the responsibility to inform the audience. Currently, television broadcasters are playing a similar role. However, today’s media has been marred by an individual’s interests. In a sense, television has been used as a tool for elite individuals to pass their ideologies and manipulate the citizens. These are some of the darkest truths about broadcasting that have marred the broadcasting business and are never discussed. However, television is still informing the audience, although it is difficult to distinguish between real issues and faked fables.
I strongly agree with Minnow on his assertions regarding when the television is bad. In the olden days, there used to be great content with high quality. When watching television, one looks for something interesting. In a sense, it means that television content has significantly changed. The broadcasting business has been filled with greed for profit maximization. Besides, competition has utterly changed the scope of broadcasting. Therefore, the audience will be tempted to look for the most appealing broadcast. As such, producers will always strive to make theirs appealing since they know that no one likes a boring broadcast.
Overly, Minnow’s assertion that television is a vast wasteland is logic. This is because elite individuals have marred the television business. These individuals have managed to hold the television to champion their interests. Most of these are the political classes that use the media, especially television, to advance propaganda. The same was happening during the 1960s. As such, Minnow was fair in his criticism since the television is a medium of communication that can easily manipulate individuals.
Works Cited
“American Rhetoric: Newton Minow — Address To The National Association Of Broadcasters (Television And The Public Interest).” Americanrhetoric.Com, 2020, https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/newtonminow.htm.