Ep 54. Media Giving Little Air Time to Anti-War Guests
- TV-PG
- November 17, 2014
The Big Picture is an informative television show that digs deep into important trends and issues affecting Americans today. In season 3, episode 54 titled "Media Giving Little Air Time to Anti-War Guests," the program explores the trend of mainstream media outlets not giving enough attention and airtime to guests who are anti-war.
The episode begins with a discussion about how media outlets are often selective when it comes to guests they invite to talk about war-related issues. The host argues that the media should be more inclusive and provide a platform for those who oppose war, as their opinions and perspectives can bring a fresh and much-needed perspective to the conversation. However, the host also acknowledges that anti-war guests are often viewed as unpatriotic, which can make it difficult for them to gain traction in the media.
To delve further into the topic, the host interviews a variety of experts, including journalists, politicians, and peace activists. By doing so, the show offers an in-depth analysis of the issue, and viewers gain a greater understanding of why anti-war guests are often underrepresented in the media.
One of the guests interviewed is a journalist who has covered war extensively. She believes that the media has a responsibility to provide balanced coverage of war-related issues, but she also acknowledges that this can be difficult to achieve. The journalist points out that many media outlets are owned by corporate entities that have vested interests in war, which can influence their editorial decisions.
Another guest is a peace activist who has been working to end war for decades. He argues that the media is complicit in perpetuating war by not giving enough airtime to those who are opposed to it. He also believes that anti-war guests are often excluded from mainstream media outlets because they threaten the established narrative of war being necessary for national security.
The episode also explores the impact that media bias can have on public perception of war. The host cites a study that found that during the lead-up to the Iraq war, mainstream media outlets in the US overwhelmingly supported the war effort, even though there were many anti-war voices that were being ignored. The host argues that this bias likely contributed to public support for the war, and that a more balanced media could have prevented or reduced the scale of the conflict.
Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with numerous examples of guests who have been excluded from the media, despite having valuable insights into war and its impact on society. The show examines the reasons behind this exclusion, such as corporate interests and political biases, and offers potential solutions to the problem.
Overall, season 3 episode 54 of The Big Picture shines a spotlight on an issue that is often overlooked in the media. By exploring why anti-war guests are given little air time, the show offers a thought-provoking and informative look at the impact that media bias can have on public perception and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the conversation around war.