Have you been watching much TV lately? It is fair to say that there is not much on free to air except for the great variety of quiz shows which seem to dominate our screen.
In a search for more interesting and entertaining television during the period of Coronavirus lockdown I opened a subscription to “Stan” the on line network. We now have Foxtel, Netflix, Prime and now Stan and are still searching for good television.
It was with some interest that I followed up on a recommendation to watch a TV series called “The Loudest Voice”. This is the story of Roger Ailes, the guy that Rupert Murdoch employed to start the Fox News channel. Russell Crowe gives a magnificent performance as Roger Ailes, so much so that it is hard to recognise him.
Beware! This show has everything and if you are sensitive to what you watch, then don’t. We have watched four episodes now with some breathing time in between but Jan has seen enough.
The series tells the story of a television news man who is forced to leave NBC news and is then taken up by Rupert Murdoch to start up FoxNews. He demands, and is eventually given, full editorial control over content. He relentless in his pursuit to not only control but to promote his own right wing agenda to gain power and influence over American politics. As chairman and CEO of Fox News he became a very powerful and influential man in television. He was media consultant for Republican presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and for Rudy Giuliani’s first mayoral campaign. In 2016, he became an adviser to the Donald Trump campaign, where he assisted with debate preparation. This however, is later in his career.
The series is factually based and is a gripping drama that gives an insight into the wheels of power and manipulation of the press and politics. Ironically, News Corp, being founded by the Australian Murdoch family, produces some authentic Aussie accents, but Russell Crowe is cast as an American (and is quite convincing).
The series gives a great insight into how the public are manipulated and influenced by biased news reporting and generating fake news or as Fred Burns puts it “Trumped Up”stories.
The real point to this comment is an example of the blatant disregard for the truth in reporting and the role power plays in the world of the media and control of public opinion. You lose faith in what is truth and it makes you doubt the honesty of world leaders. Who can you believe?
Give it a watch if you can but even if you don’t, I would be interested in your thoughts on the subject of manipulation of the masses by the news media. Have you got examples or opinion to share?
Gordon
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