Press Release
Media reform org. launches 'Debating for Ratings' comic short
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
Washington – Free Press launched a comic web-based flash animation today (www.debatingforratings.com) that underscores the media’s failings in covering the 2004 presidential election and the overall decline in quality journalism. “Media’s role in elections has been reduced to a barrage of political ads and pundits talking about polls, strategy, spin and superficialities. We’re seeing fewer tough questions, less air time for candidates to talk about issues, and less hard journalism,” said Free Press executive director Josh Silver. “Sadly, this pathetic campaign coverage actually makes good business sense – it’s forced the candidates to spend a record $1.5 billion on political ads to make their case to the public.“
Inspired by a January Pew Research Center study that found that 21 percent of people under 30 are learning about the presidential campaign from satirical sources like "The Daily Show," the movie uses references to reality TV shows like “Fear Factor,” ”American Idol” and ”Extreme Makeover.” It features the candidates answering major policy issues while eating a giant cockroach or submerged in a tank of bloodthirsty barracudas.
"Debating for Ratings" is part of a broader effort to raise public awareness of the declining state of journalism, and the need to reform the U.S. media system. Users are asked to join the Free Press “E-activist” network and pass the light-hearted animation to friends.
Free Press is a non-partisan organization that seeks to increase public participation in media policy debates, and create a diverse, independent media system with a strong noncommercial sector. For more information visit www.freepress.net.
Inspired by a January Pew Research Center study that found that 21 percent of people under 30 are learning about the presidential campaign from satirical sources like "The Daily Show," the movie uses references to reality TV shows like “Fear Factor,” ”American Idol” and ”Extreme Makeover.” It features the candidates answering major policy issues while eating a giant cockroach or submerged in a tank of bloodthirsty barracudas.
"Debating for Ratings" is part of a broader effort to raise public awareness of the declining state of journalism, and the need to reform the U.S. media system. Users are asked to join the Free Press “E-activist” network and pass the light-hearted animation to friends.
Free Press is a non-partisan organization that seeks to increase public participation in media policy debates, and create a diverse, independent media system with a strong noncommercial sector. For more information visit www.freepress.net.
