According to Mediate, there is a debate going on which is gaining traction. Whispers are getting louder as to whether or not networks should stop interviewing White House advisor Kellyanne Conway. Despite the Trump administration’s constant blaming of the media for their troubles, they are overlooking one very important fact. The truth is Americans have minds of their own and are capable of weighing in on what they see as detrimental to democracy. Clearly, Twitter and Facebook comments are only small indications. Conway, has become a polarizing figure, so much so that “Saturday Night Live” routinely mocks the mother of four for her gift of spin and distraction.
GQ reported that during a recent podcast, New York University Journalism professor Jay Rosen suggested to stop interviewing Kellyanne Conway. Even though he realizes there is a need to have a representative speak on behalf of the administration, he also reasons that the public is left confused by what she is.
News legend Dan Rather weighs in
Respected veteran newsman Dan Rather advised journalists and news anchors to nip interviews in the bud once anyone tries to take the listening audience into a reality TV version of la-la-land. He said “a lie, is a lie, is a lie.” Rather added that these are extraordinary times which calls for extraordinary measures. The former “CBS Evening News” anchor advised that if any questions directed at officials or spokespersons as to how the White House will combat lying is met with dodging and weaving, then keep at it with follow ups.
If they refuse to offer a decent answer, end the Interview.
Is it fair to shut out or shut down certain interviews?
This new idea as a way of for the media to put their foot down would indeed be unprecedented, but it could happen. It will undoubtedly provoke cries of unfairness as well. Furthermore, it would probably be unrealistic to think all media outlets would go for the idea of refusing to interview Conway.
Telling lies, fibs, untruths, and alternative facts has it consequences. It is up to the people, including media, regular citizens, and the administration, to decide if they want to risk living in a world of virtual reality or not. Nevertheless, as Dan Rather puts it, “These are extraordinary times.”
