Brain Broadcast – Journalism and Celebrities October 18, 2007
Posted by markdykeman in media.Tags: air america, celebrity, media, randi rhodes, rush limbaugh
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I was catching up on some blogs when a story caught my eye. I read a recent post on Clicked which referenced stories involving Rush Limbaugh and Randi Rhodes (a talk show host on Air America, a “liberal” talk radio network). N.B. - I am assuming that the reader already knows who Limbaugh is. I’m not up to explaining Limbaugh at the moment.
These stories involve media personalities who are making news themselves, either through events that happen to them (an apparently erroneous report claimed that Rhodes had recently been mugged) and how other members of the press (and I use that term loosely) appear to be trying to feed off their popularity/infamy.
Isn’t it odd that we live in a world where the journalist can eventually become a celebrity, where the news hunter eventually turns into prey when they themselves become successful? Is it a natural phenomenon of journalism?
I think there are many journalists who would just as soon stay anonymous as become a celebrity. I’m guessing here–but I think the phenomenon of journalists becoming celebrities themselves happens when they want it to happen and seek it out. Reminds me of the celebrities who wring their hands over the attention they get from the paparazzi–when in reality they’ve called ahead to alert the cameras where they will be.
Thanks for visiting my blog and posting the thoughtful comment on self-publishing.
Thanks Charlotte. My gut tells me your comments on journalists and celebrities are correct.
“Isn’t it odd that we live in a world where the journalist can eventually become a celebrity…”
Doesn’t that capture perfectly the impetus for every blog ever created??? I mean isn’t that why you wrote this post??? Isn’t that why I’m making this comment??? Isn’t that what drives it all???
I’m just askin’…
It’s an interesting observation that I too have felt happening more so in the past decade.
With the rise in liberty that media enjoys, being a journalist means a lot in public eye. Even if a journalist wishes to stay anonymous, he won’t be left untouched by the ‘name & fame’ for long.
The gist of it all is, becoming famous for their works, is a part & parcel of their work, it is earned without the need of them specifically working to achieve it.
Loved reading your interesting blog.
Keep up the good work
Cheers!!
@ Just Sayin’ – touche, man. Good point!
@ megha – you have a good point, but I think Charlotte’s comment above is quite valid; some of these people are probably seeking out the fame and the spotlight.