PromoGuy dot Net: Honoring 9-11 or Exploiting 9-11?

September 5, 2002

Honoring 9-11 or Exploiting 9-11?

I think what bothers me most about American news programs is that each one has to be first. First, Local, Live, Late-Breaking. One station is the only one to cover a bank robbery and not 30 minutes later the Promotions Department has created an on-air commercial (a promo) to thumb their nose at the other stations in town.

Now it seems this same mentality has been applied to the 9-11 anniversary. Ugh. I don't even want to call it an anniversary.

Every major network is planning a big special for 9-11. And they are filling the air waves right now with specials reports and exclusive interviews with the survivors, those widowed and rescue workers. No station or magazine or newspaper wants to be the only one who didn't do something. And they probably have twisted their ideals so much that they think they are actually doing it for the public because as journalists it is their "duty" and they "owe it to us." But it seems more like they are capitalizing them.

To paraphrase the movie "Gladiator:" Honor them.

But please do not exploit them.

How can you tell the difference? Commercials.

Show me a network that airs a special on 9-11 with no commercials and then, and only then, will I truly believe they are honoring those touched by 9-11. But no, every show is packed with commercials. And teases like "And then, months after 9-11, Darlene made an amazing discovery. When we come back...."

Have you seen the ABC logo they are using for 9-11 reports? It is a crystal "9" with a forward slash, followed by crystal images of the two towers of the World Trade Center. Does that seem tacky and disrespectful to anyone else?

We as a nation will never forget the attacks. How could we? And we should honor those lost and touched by it. But it would be refreshing to see one media outlet who didn't worry about being the only one who didn't do a special.

To me, that would show more honor and respect than anything else they could do.

file this under Rants
Posted by on September 5, 2002 @ September 5, 2002 08:56 AM
7 folks had something to say

Comments

I totally agree. This is one of the main reasons I don't watch TV.

Posted by: Emerald Sky at September 5, 2002 9:34 AM

I also agree. It was too much then, it is too much now. We have become a nation of grave-robbers. Let the dead lie in peace...honor only their memory.

Posted by: Kim at September 5, 2002 10:29 AM

You are so right! This is one of the primary reasons I don't watch network TV or new's channels. That is disgusting what ABC is doing I can't believe that they actually think it is okay to do that. gag

Posted by: Heather at September 5, 2002 10:49 AM

Yup, I'm with you guys. I only watch PBS, because I AM SICK OF ALL THIS CRAP ON TV! Let's exploit EVERYTHING - from 9-11 to stolen children to cats with HIV to fungi on my feet. I've had it. I don't even buy the newspaper anymore.

Just give me a hut in Montana, an espresso machine, my car, and I'll be a happy camper, thankyouverymuch.

Posted by: Kristin at September 5, 2002 9:00 PM

The NY Times has a good article today about all the network specials. It says that there will be few commercials. Personally, I'm going to stay far, far away from the TV on the 11th. I grew tired of the news blitz some 10 months ago.

Posted by: Manda at September 6, 2002 12:15 PM

Unfortunately, the sad thing is that most people want this and can't wait to watch the specials.

Posted by: michael at September 6, 2002 4:10 PM

Your right when you say all major networks. ESPN is advertising they will be doing specials too. ITS just wrong! ESPN should only be broadcasting sports and sports related topics nothing else! I think I will just leave the tv off, on 9-11.

Posted by: Not Me at September 8, 2002 9:22 PM

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September 5, 2002

Honoring 9-11 or Exploiting 9-11?