More than a few years ago, in the early days of coming to an understanding of the news media, there was a chance encounter downstairs from the office. It was a full team of cameraman, sound guy and reporter from the CBC. While the crew was setting up for man-on-the-street interviews, the reporter explained his assignment. We wished him luck on getting anything and headed back to the office.
But he did get an interview that was aired on the six o’clock news. The interview was with the slow, friendly guy who made deliveries for the restaurant downstairs. He was the perfect interview subject; he was always smiling and he could repeat back to you verbatim anything you said to him. The reporter was interviewing this chap, who would be unable to understand a tax bill, on a proposed change in land taxes. Surprisingly, the guy’s attitude on the subject seemed to directly reflect the reporter’s.
What caused this reminiscing was the airing late Saturday on Global Television news of a mob at Toronto city hall. It seems these stalwart citizens were demanding the resignation of Mayor Rob Ford. Under the gaze of the television cameras, these people were quite vociferous in their condemnation of their mayor. It was not made clear if they had tar and feathers at the ready or a sturdy rope.
The Global reporter did note that there had been promises of 4000 demonstrators and only a small percentage of this number actually took part in the demonstration. This was disappointing. In today’s era of social media, there could have been a flash mob there of over 10,000. All it takes is a little organizational ability. The resourceful media made up for the numbers by shooting tighter shots and cutting in shots of some Rob Ford supporters defending their guy.
Luckily, this was a Saturday and Rob Ford was nowhere near his office. Any confrontation between the man and his detractors could have become something beyond control of the news media people who thought this was such great television.
And if anyone thinks the media people who promoted this should be charged with attempting incite to riot, this observer would very much like to be on the jury. It might be the first jury to recommend capital punishment in a long time.
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Copyright 2013 © Peter Lowry
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