Gov. Sarah Palin recently met with foreign leaders as part of the McCain camps atempt to shore up Palins lack of foreign policy experience. The initial instructions from the camp was not to allow reporters with the cameras. The five big networks threatened to not use the video and then the McCain camp conceeded. I am torn between whether this is an appropriate use or blatant abuse of the power of broadcast.
On one hand we have the McCain camp preventing the public from analysing the credibilty and content of the visits. The camp is trying to bolster Palins forgein policy base in preparation for the vice-presidential debate with Sen. Joe Biden. On the other hand the networks threaten not to cover a real story simply because reporters couldn't be in the room. If that were to happen we would be completly devoid of any story. As voters we would be uninformed.
I want to be informed. The news business must provide stories that are not only improtant, but entertaining. This creates the challendge of not going for ratings over content.
I think both sides took stances that risked leaving the American people, who both entities claim to serve, out of the loop. Its a delicate balancing act.
What do you think? How far can the media go in threatening coverage?
This is from CNN.com http://tinyurl.com/4gkejw
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While McCain has a right to privacy (and let's be honest- who would want cameras on Palin right now in light of the Couric interview?) I think that the American people deserve media coverage of someone who very well may be the next vice president.
To me, Couric interview was an example of good journalism. If Palin doesn't know much about foreign policy, we as the public should know that!
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