"Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?" A quote from "The Outlaw Josey Wales."
I've watched bits and pieces of the three major interviews that have been conducted with Sarah Palin since she was announced as John McCain's running mate. I found three different approaches by each interviewer.
Charlie Gibson, of ABC, at times appeared above
Sarah Palin, using a condescending tone, etc. I have seen other interviews of Gibson's and immediately noticed his colder and, at times, almost patronizing demeanor. He asked tough questions with no mercy, and pressed issues when not given a satisfactory answer (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnzTN95kRc).
Contrast that with Sean Hannity of FOX news. From the offset Hannity wore a warm, adoring smile. He posed questions in a casual, kind way, asking about family and her thoughts on the world's issues - almost like a backyard bbq. Hannity, a Republican, obviously was going to help his girl out (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVR2QCH3-fg).
That brings us to the most recent interview with CBS's Katie Couric. In my opinion, Couric seemed to be the most balanced of all three interviews. She didn't appear overly warm, asked tough questions, but respectfully, and even cracked a slight smile from time to time. She wasn't condescending, but she wasn't idolizing Palin either (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP12aNzocSc).
After watching these interviews, I wonder to myself, who was the best journalist? Who delivered the story? Who presented the story in a way that gave unbiased context and meaning to it? Who constructed the social reality of Sarah Palin as a possible vp most effectively? Who, in effect, best represented the public?
Is it okay to show bias? Is it okay to be borderline disrespectful if it is someone you don't neccessarily respect? How do you hide your personal opinions, whether it be in print, online, or broadcast journalism?
I've watched bits and pieces of the three major interviews that have been conducted with Sarah Palin since she was announced as John McCain's running mate. I found three different approaches by each interviewer.
Charlie Gibson, of ABC, at times appeared above
Sarah Palin, using a condescending tone, etc. I have seen other interviews of Gibson's and immediately noticed his colder and, at times, almost patronizing demeanor. He asked tough questions with no mercy, and pressed issues when not given a satisfactory answer (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnzTN95kRc).Contrast that with Sean Hannity of FOX news. From the offset Hannity wore a warm, adoring smile. He posed questions in a casual, kind way, asking about family and her thoughts on the world's issues - almost like a backyard bbq. Hannity, a Republican, obviously was going to help his girl out (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVR2QCH3-fg).
That brings us to the most recent interview with CBS's Katie Couric. In my opinion, Couric seemed to be the most balanced of all three interviews. She didn't appear overly warm, asked tough questions, but respectfully, and even cracked a slight smile from time to time. She wasn't condescending, but she wasn't idolizing Palin either (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP12aNzocSc).
After watching these interviews, I wonder to myself, who was the best journalist? Who delivered the story? Who presented the story in a way that gave unbiased context and meaning to it? Who constructed the social reality of Sarah Palin as a possible vp most effectively? Who, in effect, best represented the public?
Is it okay to show bias? Is it okay to be borderline disrespectful if it is someone you don't neccessarily respect? How do you hide your personal opinions, whether it be in print, online, or broadcast journalism?
Posts
3 comments:
I think Gibson's style didn't mix with Palin, and it gave the McCain campaign the ability to blame the bad interview on him.
Couric, on the other hand, was definitely the most journalistic of the three, asking tough questions and asking follow-up questions to not let her wriggle away, even after some atrocious answers.
Journalists must be careful to balance an agressive pursuit of the truth with not appearing angry.
I read your blog and the comments from other readers, and have come to the conclusion you are all just way smarter than I! Such sophisticated opinions and sattire.
Guess the future of our country is in excellent hands! (and minds)
I think the Couric interview was a great example of good journalism. McCain is accusing the media of using 'gotcha' politics to make Palin look stupid, but Couric is far from that. She was friendly but asked the right questions.
Post a Comment