1F25 blog response 4: News, Trust, "Truthiness"

After reading other students blogs, I feel that both sides were argued; however, the majority of blogs I examined were that of students who agreed with me, saying that satirical news reporting did not benefit the public sphere.

“I believe satirical news creates tension amongst the public as some see nothing wrong with it, and others completely are disgusted and outraged. At the same time it makes it harder for the professionals. Satirical news can make professionals seem like liars or deceivers as they are often mocked and made fun of.” (http://shaiannrichards.wordpress.com)

This blog made me realize how satirical news can alter the otherwise simple job professional newscasts have. Broadcasts such as CTV news are simply doing what their jobs require; report on daily events, and yet they are being mocked. Because these satirical newscasts are making light of serious topics, it is no longer an easy task for legitimate news reports to be portrayed as serious. 

The final line in my previous blog stated that although these satirical shows are comical and entertaining, they do not add to the public sphere. One of my peers, Tori wrote “Although many people find these shows as hysterical, others may feel that they are unnecessary and in fact not funny at all.” (http://torigligic.wordpress.com) In this quote, Tori confirms that these types of shows are in fact comical, but made me realize this may not be the case for all audiences. Many headlines that hit the satirical news could be interpreted to be racial humor. I feel that this is a common theme among the mock news reports regarding the ongoing war involving the United States and Syria. Although this is the stories hitting the news, I still firmly believe this is not necessary, nor does it add to the public sphere.

One blog I read that looked at the opposite side of the argument, was Cassandra Graham’s. Before reading this blog, I saw the argument as black and white, and was firm in my position. Cassandra concluded her blog by saying: 

“I feel that the satirical reportage within our mainstream is a useful addition to the public sphere because the news that is presented within the shows on our televisions are not providing us with false information, but it is created in this form to make the information more interesting to the viewers, and give the audience a better understanding of what is taking place in our society in a lighter tone.” (http://cassandragrahamblog.wordpress.com) 

This was the first time I actually thought about the opposing argument. I always think of satirical news reporting to have negative connotations of the actual reports. Cassandra opened my eyes to see that they are indeed presenting facts, just in a different manor. I feel this could be a way to inform those individuals who do not commonly watch the 5 o'clock news.

After reading more of my peers blogs that argued against my point, I have opened my eyes to the opposing side. I now feel that, if presented in the right manor, satirical news reporting could be beneficial to the public sphere. I hope to one day see that more individuals are informed of social and political situations, because of satirical newscasting.