Whinging Pom: What's the media all about over here?!
October 17th 2006 04:32
I make no apologies for what I am about to say. I appreciate how controversial it may sound (being a ‘pom’ and all) and I acknowledge how unpopular it may make me. But some things just need to be said.
The media here in Australia is shit. No. Sorry, it’s not shit. It’s appalling.
You Aussies aren’t as ignorant as the Americans, but you sure as hell seem disinterested. Why else does the news reporting focus so heavily on domestic issues? Don’t you care about international affairs? It’s either that or your journalists just don’t have a clue about what you want to read.
Take a look at the papers. “Dog Rescued From Tree in Sydney’s East” page 1, “Genocides Continue to Sweep Sudan” page 5. Ok, I made up that example, but you get what I’m saying. And the quality of writing is poor. When I find (with great surprise) that I have read to the end of an article and actually thoroughly enjoyed it, I then notice at the bottom of the page (in size 4 font) the words: *“Source: The Times, UK”*. Then of course it all makes sense and I smile wryly to myself. (Well, actually it’s more of a grimace.) And don’t get me started on the TV journalism. Christ, it’s pathetic. This morning I watched a major Australian TV network spend prime-time breakfast discussing horoscopes and how to find love with the stars. Then I listen to the radio and resign myself to Kyle and Jackie-O weighing up the possibility that Kyle’s girlfriend is cheating on him. I mean, pleeeease.
Does it get any deeper than this? Where’s your ‘Panorama’ equivalent? (This is a highly reputable investigative documentary series in the UK). What do you have? A Current Affair. When I last watched that, it was on why little Johnny was getting bullied in the playground. I mean, for christ’s sake. What have you got to do to get a decent international current affairs education over here? Thank god the BBC’s online. And thank god for Foxtel… That’s all I’m saying.
The media here in Australia is shit. No. Sorry, it’s not shit. It’s appalling.
You Aussies aren’t as ignorant as the Americans, but you sure as hell seem disinterested. Why else does the news reporting focus so heavily on domestic issues? Don’t you care about international affairs? It’s either that or your journalists just don’t have a clue about what you want to read.
Take a look at the papers. “Dog Rescued From Tree in Sydney’s East” page 1, “Genocides Continue to Sweep Sudan” page 5. Ok, I made up that example, but you get what I’m saying. And the quality of writing is poor. When I find (with great surprise) that I have read to the end of an article and actually thoroughly enjoyed it, I then notice at the bottom of the page (in size 4 font) the words: *“Source: The Times, UK”*. Then of course it all makes sense and I smile wryly to myself. (Well, actually it’s more of a grimace.) And don’t get me started on the TV journalism. Christ, it’s pathetic. This morning I watched a major Australian TV network spend prime-time breakfast discussing horoscopes and how to find love with the stars. Then I listen to the radio and resign myself to Kyle and Jackie-O weighing up the possibility that Kyle’s girlfriend is cheating on him. I mean, pleeeease.
Does it get any deeper than this? Where’s your ‘Panorama’ equivalent? (This is a highly reputable investigative documentary series in the UK). What do you have? A Current Affair. When I last watched that, it was on why little Johnny was getting bullied in the playground. I mean, for christ’s sake. What have you got to do to get a decent international current affairs education over here? Thank god the BBC’s online. And thank god for Foxtel… That’s all I’m saying.
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Comment by Joanna
That's just me though, so whinge away!
Comment by Whinging Pom
Thanks for your comments - I do know what you mean... and I do love a LOT of things about this country....
Having said that, it don't think the crappy media makes me love Australia more, no.
Don't you think Australia would be an even "better" place to live if the media was of a higher standard and appealed to its audiences on a more 'intellectual' level??
With journalism like this, it's no wonder that Aussies have acquired their one-dimensional, nonintellectual stereotype.......!!
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
but yeah, a current affair is a good laugh sometimes.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
How long have you been in Australia?
I'm actually trying to get out of it. ;oP
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Anonymous
Did you hear that the Canadian TV guide is going to become optional with purchase as opposed toa regular feature? IMDb reported that there has been a steady decline in its appeal to the pulic a few weeks ago.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by ChrisM
Comment by Joe Blogg
Joe Blogg's Blog
manchesterunited
collingwoodfootballclub
Manners please.
Like all things you have to hunt for the media you want.
For example in downtown Mebburn we not only have a plethora of indy radio stations but we are home to a gay radio station (Joy FM) - can't recall that in the UK me lovely.
But mainstream media world wide has become dross except for quality blogs like joebloggsblog.net
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
Media is about selling stories that will make the most money so if that means rescuing the dog from the tree then that`s what it takes!
Ash
PS dont you love Today Tonight? I think they have shown every possible weight loss programme ever to have been developed
Comment by Anonymous
I thought about what you said about Australian news being heavily dominated by domestic affairs, and I guess its because we're in the middle of nowhere. we share no borders with any countries and are far removed from most of the world, where as the UK the doorstep of Europe is within a stones throw of many countries and for them/you what is going on around you plays a much more significant part in your daily lives, Australias seem happier to just not worry about it... i guess it takes a Red light ripper to make the headlines here.
Comment by Whinging Pom
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Comment by Soap lover
Just going off on a complete tangent, sorry does anyone know why aussies call us English (or is it Brits)
'soap dodgers' ? A bit rich I would have thought.
Comment by Anonymous
Another thing though,
I must say i am a cricket fan, but why not? i love the game and so should you. Well for one you pom's created the game after all!
Funny thing though. Convicts beat you so often at your own game.
But i wont rant on about it anymore. It's self explanitory.
your quote?
"Don’t you care about international affairs"
Frankly no, Australians seperate themselves from the worlds current affairs because we have no time at all to listen to the crap like.....
America has just invaded yet another county
or
declared yet another war.
Or Guess what the pom's are whinging about now?
Seriously..... WE DONT CARE.
If you dont give a s*** then about whats going on.
then your Australian.
Why worry about other peoples problems.
I have to apologise to my self and all australians for entering this site.
But i will congradulate you on naming your website with such originality, but also so very true.
Can't wait to win the ashes AGAIN, in yet ANOTHER white wash, i think you have only won ONCE in like 20 years? correct me if im wrong. lol.
Comment by Anonymous
Aussie in UK.
Comment by insane indian
"This is such a tragic time....Here is an Australian who has been affected to share his words"