Today, we have the anchor from NBC Channel 12, Aaron Gilcrest with us. I like the dialog-like style of his speech. It is really a great pleasure talking with him.Our topic is media. Both what he said and what the Chinese students and teachers said are thought-provoking.
The American are proud of the freedom that the news agency has here. But although they don't have a written document that restrict the media, they are, to some extent, not that free. Most of the broadcast agencies are owned by big cooperations. How can you publish something that is against the one who support you financially without a second thought? We all don't want our boss to be unhappy,right? I've read a book call The Shadow of the Eagle. The author goes to extremes in some of his opinions.But one of his conclusion is impressive,"if Bush wants the public to believe or know something, all he needs to do is to make a call and the reporters will immediately stand in line in front of him."And also, i believe the American does have restriction on media. Look at the difference of reporting in the Iraq war and the Gulf war.
China is making progress. Reporters all around the world can interview anybody they like when they come to China in 2008 when Beijing is going to hold the Olympic Games. I am glad that all the Americans in class want to know more about what has changed in China. But the image that they have on China is still how people would have 10 years ago. Is it because that the American media has too little international news? It makes sense to say that the audience are unaware of the outside world , so the media only focuses on the domestic issue. Yet should the media have a social responsibility or should it be just a business organization that does things which can bring in more money. I am confused.The media, in my opinion should be a reflection of the whole society and the fourth power outside the government instead of a baby-sitter, trying to satisfy every need from the public.
The American media is notorious in having too little international news. After 9.11, according to Aaron, it changed a lot. We make changes only after something happens. All around the world, the mass media serves as a tool of the powerful instead of the window for the public to reach the all-around outside world. Do we need another "9.11" to make more changes ?
I do not know whether all these above make sense . Just write down what in my mind right now:) I have been interested in media since in junior high. My dad does not support me , unfortunately because I used to talk with him about the problems i found in the media system. He said these questions made me too serious and a little cynical. Anyway, it is a great pleasure to talk about these in America with people from different background.