NBC Nightly News and The Daily Show

Last night, I watched news coverage from both The Daily Show and NBC Nightly News. Both programs had differed in several ways. In my last post, I recorded the stories that were presented on the NBC Nightly News. I found the program to be informative and straight-forward. What I also liked about the program was the presentation of a public interest story. The Daily Show differs from many major news networks due to the fact that it tries to present humor to the stories that they present.

The format of The Daily Show is definitely comedic. The design of the set is definitely poking fun at sets seen on many major news networks. Stewart begins his show by poking fun at the paranoia which surrounds the Swine Flu Virus. The program then reflects on Obama's 100 Days, and how major news networks like FOX, MSNBC, and CNN had covered the president's 100 days in office. The program definitely makes light of how theoretical physicist scientists desire to recreate "The Big Bang". In regards to entertainment, Stewart invites on Hugh Jackman to discuss his latest movie " X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Stewart raps up the episode by providing his viewers with the daily "Moment of Zen." The moment of Zen pokes fun in how pigs are seen as a "Petri Dish of Germs."

Overall, I felt that both programs were effective in the manner in which they presented news to their viewers. I definitely how the programs differed due to the fact that it was nice to see news presented in two different ways. I felt that The Daily Show provided more humor and light-hearted jokes as opposed to NBC Nightly News. The NBC Nightly News just provided the facts and was very frank. Although I enjoyed how the coverage that was presented on the NBC Nightly News, I wasn't dissatisfied with The Daily Show either. I enjoyed how The Daily Show was entertaining and informative at the same time. Therefore, I felt that both programs were effective and informative.

May The Force Be With You,
Lauren

Brian Williams and NBC Nightly News

At 6:30, NBC News Anchor Brian Williams provides his viewers with top stories that are effecting the nation. Today, Williams brought light to news events which appeared in this order:

1. Job Opening-Justice David Souter's Retirement

2.Swine Flu Outbreak

3. Wall Street- Up 44 Points

4.Diet Danger-Hydroxycut Health Risks

5.Sky Walking-Sears Tower Newest Tourist Attraction

6.Las Vegas Entertainer Danny Gans' Death

7.Chrysler's Financial Trouble-Down 48 Percent

8.Kentucky Derby

9. Making A Difference Report (Public Interest Story)

Williams reports on Supreme Court Justice David Souter's retirement. The coverage reflects on how President Obama has a big decision to make in regards to appointing a new justice. Next, the coverage focused on the latest news regarding the Swine Flu Outbreak. According to the report, there are about 200 reported cases of the virus in the United States. 23 states have been exposed to this outbreak. Then, the report took us to Wall Street where the Dow has been up 44 points.

In regards to health, Williams provides his viewers with the recent health risks imposed by Hydroxycut. The FDA has stated that Hydroxycut imposes potential liver damage, thus leading the product to be recalled. In Chicago, The Sears Tower released a new tourist attraction called "The Sears Tower Skydeck" where tourists can get the sense of walking on air. In a entertainment related story, Danny Gans, a Las Vegas entertainer had passed away at the age of 52. In financial news, the report reflects on Chrysler's most recent financial troubles. Williams concludes his report by providing coverage on The Kentucky Derby and A Public Interest Story which tells the story of a Los Angeles woman whom helps individuals learn to cook and run a small cooking business.

In conclusion, I felt that the coverage provided by the NBC Nightly News had been more effective than the coverage presented at 5:00 on ABC. I felt that the order in which these stories had appeared was genuine and efficient. What I liked about the coverage was the presentation of a public interest story which is rarely shown on television. It is nice to hear stories about individuals whom are trying to make a difference by help others. If I were asked in how to improve the coverage, I would suggest more international related stories. I feel that by presenting international stories, the general public can get more of an insight to what is happening around the world. Overall, the coverage was brief, effective, and efficient.

May The Force Be With You,

Lauren

The Hype Regarding Michelle Obama's Sneakers

Let's face it. As you turn on your computer or television, you are bombarded with images of Michelle Obama. Whether it's about her clothing or the secret to her "toned" arms, the media is absolutely head over heels in love with this woman. In fact the New York Daily News gives their readers the most recent story regarding Michelle's $540 dollar shoes. Wait! Are my eyes deceiving me? $540 dollars shoes? Are you serious? I smell hypocrisy in action!

How is this hypocritical? Well, let's go back to the 2008 campaign trail of John McCain. John McCain's wife, Cindy McCain had faced constant scrutiny on her choice of wardrobe. In fact in a 2008 article published by The Los Angeles Times, the article "Who Get's Your Style Vote" implies that Cindy McCain is a high-fashioned, Oscar de la Renta wearing snob while Michelle is portrayed to be this Target wearing, down-to-earth, and dignified woman.

Let's fast forward a few years. Recently, Michelle has been spotted wearing French designer Lanvin sneakers that roughly cost $540 dollars. The article obviously puts the First Lady in a favorable light by stating that "Michelle takes casual to a haute new level." Basically, the article implies that it was okay for Obama to wear expensive sneakers and tops which range from $400 to $1000 due to the fact that she was planting trees and performing an act of community service. Yes, I would agree that clothing like Oscar de la Renta does not represent the the general majority of Americans as well, but neither does sneakers that cost $540 dollars. This is indeed hypocritical.

If Cindy McCain is going to be criticized for her choice of clothing, Michelle Obama should be too. The media has obviously been more favorable to Obama, and I find it unfair. Well, Sean Hannity is definitely not liking the favorable stories surrounding Obama's choice of clothing either. In fact, in The Huffington Post, Hannity expresses his anger by stating that Michelle "can get all these designer clothes and that everyone will call her Jackie Kennedy." What I'm trying to convey is that Michelle Obama should be subjected to the equal criticism of Cindy McCain. Neither woman is better or more "down-to-earth" than the other. What I'm asking for is equal criticism, not biased.

May The Force Be With You,

Lauren

Anne Coulter and the CIA Memo Debate

On yesterday's episode of Hannity, Sean Hannity had invited on columnist Anne Coulter to discuss the debate which involves the recently released CIA interrogation memos. Hannity begins his show by imposing the question: Will President Obama prosecute the CIA Officials whom took part in waterboarding? He provides his viewers with a "What We Know" list regarding Obama's stance on the issue. According to the report, Obama first resisted the idea of prosecuting the CIA officials involved. Obama had been quoted as far as saying that he wanted the United States to move forward from this issue.

Then in a matter of time, Obama had recently stated that "the decision to prosecute the CIA officials shall be up to the attorney general."Reflecting on Obama's recent change of decision, Hannity invites Anne Coulter to give her opinion about this issue. He begins his interview by asking Coulter if Obama had been swayed in any way to change his mind regarding the prosecution of these officials. Coulter responds by stating that Obama had been influenced by the media. The columnist claims that the media has "been screaming torture" and that they have not provided any substantial information from these memos. In regards to the memos, Coulter feels that the interrogation methods used by these officials are "wussy methods" and should not be mistaken with torture.

For example, Coulter provides viewers with information regarding some of the interrogation methods used by these CIA officials. She states that the officials used a caterpillar in one of their interrogations due to the fact that Abu Zubaydah was afraid of caterpillars. Due to interrogations methods like these, Coulter feels that "we are being laughed at throughout the Arab world. I mean, if they are actually reading these memos, they cannot be very afraid of being captured, because it is such wussie stuff that's going on..." Both Coulter and Hannity feel that it would be a damaging mistake if the press had released the names of the CIA officials involved in this issue. Hannity and Coulter conclude their interview by reviewing Obama and his 100 days as president. Both Hannity and Coulter feel that the general public has not seen the effects of Obama's policies and that his "changes are bankrupting the country."


Being against torture, I don't necessarily agree with Coulter's comments regarding the debate surrounding the CIA memos. Waterboarding is not "wussie stuff" and should not be practiced at all. Even with Coulter's caterpillar argument, I feel that the way these officials had used a caterpillars to "evoke fear and discomfort"from Zubaydah is wrong. Like Ali Soufan said "there is a way to talk without using torture." I would agree with Soufan's arguement that the CIA should use traditional interrgational methods which do not involve torture. However, I can understand both Coulter and Hannity's frustration in how Obama had suddenly changed his stance regarding the prosecution of these officials. Coulter is entitled to her opinion, and this is still a very debated issue. I feel that it is beneficial to hear all sides of an arguement.

May The Force Be With You,
Lauren