Press and Tower :: News and commentary on Erie PA newspaper, TV, radio, and new media » Deep Background

Deep Background for July 25-31, 2010

joel — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:11:57 +0000

Andrew Breitbart and his extensively edited YouTube video of Shirley Sherrod is the latest example of social media leading the “old” media around by the nose. Maybe it’s because of the mixing of entertainment into the newscast, or the budget cutbacks of real journalists, or even an inferiority complex and envy of the new viral media, but major vetting procedures were missed this week in the rush to judgment by Fox and the government. A whole lot of people messed up.

In Erie, its cutbacks and the economy which causes us to endure less than stellar picture quality from our TV stations, the same DJ voicetracking on multiple radio stations of different formats, and single reporters covering the entire local beat on the weekends for the newspaper. Lots of opportunities for messing up.

We can’t go back to the old days, but as media consumers we can demand better. Let your voice be heard hear on this open forum; leave a comment below, send me an e-mail or Tweet (don’t forget to follow @pressandtower).

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for July 18-24, 2010

joel — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:44:59 +0000

I’m all awash in social media these days.

I had an “off-the-hook” birthday this week with well-wishers from across the country on my Facebook profile. I connected with my Mercyhurst Prep classmates about our upcoming class reunion in the Facebook group discussion. And I’m incredulously reTweeting the media news of the moment through the @pressandtower Twitter account.

Of course this blog is first and foremost a community media resource. Please use it to question and comment on what you feel strongly about regarding Erie media. Use the comment box below, e-mail me or send a tweet to @pressandtower (don’t forget to follow…that’s where the hour-to-hour updates are happening).

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for July 4-10, 2010

joel — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:26:11 +0000

“When, in the course of human events…”

The Erie media is doing a good job of reminding us what the significance of this fourth day of July in the United States.

I appreciated the Erie Times-News printing the Declaration of Independence in its entirety this morning, including the names of those who pledged “to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

Also giving context to today’s holiday was WQLN-TV’s airing of Rebels and Redcoats, a 2003 BBC/WGBH production that gives you a distinctively British viewpoint on what was for them, The Civil War.

Whether you are inspired and informed or discouraged and frustrated, we want to hear your views on the media both in Erie and everywhere else. Leave a comment below, e-mail me, or tweet @pressandtower.

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for June 13-19, 2010

joel — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:02:18 +0000

OK, did the entertainment industry get infiltrated by aliens? Maybe the planet got hit by a comet or something? That’s the only reason I can think of that a show like this got green-lighted:

I guess we’ve reached a new low when we drop septuagenarians off high places for probably low ratings.

Think I protest too much? Then make your opinion known with a comment in this open forum, or via e-mail at joel@nataliemedia.com, or through Twitter by messaging @pressandtower.

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for May 30 – June 5, 2010

joel — Mon, 31 May 2010 04:59:54 +0000

What a glorious weekend we are having…the kind of start to summer that we often only dream of.

Way too gorgeous to consume media, right? Well, these days the media follows you…so whether you are reading your new Kindle novel at Presque Isle, or got your iPod in your ear while mowing the lawn, or watching the races on HD in your garage…enjoy!

When you get a chance, weigh in on anything media in this open forum. Leave a comment, send an e-mail or tweet @pressandtower.

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for May 23-29, 2010

joel — Mon, 24 May 2010 04:59:59 +0000

So…did you get lost by the finale of “Lost”? Or are you more interested in who is victorious on “Dancing With The Stars” or “American Idol”?

Maybe you’re just like me; fussing with my rabbit ears and trying to figure out which rooftop antenna to buy and what else I’m going to do with the $80 a month I’m saving by dropping cable.

We talk media in all of its 32 flavors on this open forum. Join the conversation with your comment below, or e-mail me at joel@nataliemedia.com, or tweet @pressandtower.

Embrace the chaos!

Deep Background for May 16-22, 2010

joel — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:39:30 +0000

So as we navigate the middle of the all-important May TV sweeps, complete with their two-hour season finales and news show stunting, are you watching more television? Is anything on the tube must-see TV for you?

We talk through the highs and lows of local and national media in this open forum. Your participation is essential through comments in the box below, e-mailing me at joel@nataliemedia.com, or tweet us here @pressandtower.

Embrace the chaos!