Sewing the Astroturf.
The body of Ricky Bryant, Jr., 26 is being brought home today for funeral services on Monday. A tragic story from out of state with a hometown connection.13WHAM reported on yesterdays six o'clock broadcast that as of their earlier story regarding Officer Bryant they had received numerous calls seeking details of the motorcade route. Really?
From 13WHAM:
People who live along the motorcade route are asked to show their support by placing an American flag outside their home or by standing along the procession route.
Shortly after the six o'clock broadcast I received the following email which was forwarded to me. Emphasis is mine.
Ricky Bryant Jr.was a Marine Veteran who served for four years and went on to work as a police officer in Georgia and was killed while working. He grew up here in the Rochester area and his body will be returned here tomorrow for burial. They have requested people to line the route from the airport with flags to show support for the family. Is this something that we can pass along to the volunteers?
Sounds fair enough to pay due respect to this fallen police officer and veteran. He served our country and community and for that we are grateful. But who is They? A grassroots organization? The Police Department? The Marine Corps? The family?
I suspect, and forgive me for appearing crass in such somber circumstances, that it is the media that is They. They need a story. They need good footage. They need to beat the competitors to the scoop. They want you to believe. They need you to believe. They are the ones that feed the hungry. A Bright Spot in your day amidst the muck.
This my dear friends is astroturfing. And there is no better astroturf than hyperlocal astroturf. Watch and hear the words and images placed before you, as you are the consumer, and it is your duty. Although consumption has its low desperate points. Reaching for the Ipecac, sliding your finger down your throat all the way to the wedding ring or an involuntary reflex of a body that has had enough.
Did I mention the forwarded email was from Allison K. Watts, Executive Producer, 13 WHAM TV.
Enjoy the show.
posted by sconsetmonkey @ 1/24/2008 04:24:00 PM
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3 Comments:
I am appalled a news organization would request a photo op. We all have great respect for the dead and the current family Dujour, yet it is unseemly that a news station would extend this request. Did the Clear channel station also send you the motorcade route and time, for convienent viewing of the latest fallen member of our community?
Where were they when Rochester needs a candle vigil for our latest inocent victim of street crime? Did they send you notification then? Or is it only when flags can be displayed.
It would be one thing if, the family requested 13 to do it for them. If they did then I expect every funeral motorcade to be televized, including victims of crime and accidental deaths.
This looks more like a set up for the latest Edward R Morrow Awards, yet I can't help but think he would be mortified at the attempt of manufactured news.
Ah, and when I go to my great reward, I want a motorcade route lined in people wearing their wedding dresses as a tribute to me, a Local Dress Designer. Oh by the way don't forget the bouquets, as I am a Master Gardener.
Makes you wonder, how they picturesmith the "Maggie Brooks Show".
And what about Dover Airforce base...When will Clear Channel get actual Pictures of Caskets coming home from IRAQ. When they get permission? Did they ask? Why don't they send that e-mail?
Did the Clear channel station also send you the motorcade route and time, for convienent viewing of the latest fallen member of our community?
Yes, I omitted for brevity.
Or is it only when flags can be displayed.
I don't recall motorcades for our three Brightonians that gave there lives in service to our country.
...he would be mortified at the attempt of manufactured news.
It is the zeitgeist of contemporary media in America.
When will Clear Channel get actual Pictures of Caskets coming home from IRAQ.
The can get them. They just need to grow a pair.
People have a hard-on for the media. When I went to the memorial service for the girls in Fairport that died last year, I was without a ticket to enter the event but I breezed through the door dripping in photo gear as if I was meant to be there. When I was stopped and asked, "Who are you shooting for?" without hesitation, I replied The Philadelphia Inquirer. They couldn't have rolled out the red carpet any faster for what they thought to be National Media.
Stay tuned for the next episode of the News.
P
In the long ago and not so far away...... Photo/journalists were aggresive in obtaining information and pictures that challenged a Governmenal policy and corporations with their hypocracy. To raise a level of debate, concern and possible criminal charges or enforcement of sane governmental regulations (RE: leaking hazardous waste drums).
The only pictures that seem to be of this ilk, have been focused on celebrity train wrecks. I guess there is more money in that. Shame.
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