With the severe decline in print media, it is important to examine the role of other traditional media sources and more specifically television. Television programs have jumped on the bandwagon started by newspapers. These programs have perpetuated the so called NRL, AFL war. What’s so shocking is that no other traditional media sources have challenged this perspective and has become an accepted part of our society.
60 Minutes’ ‘Turf War’ is one such example of television programs deciding to enter the debate. Instead of positively contributing to public discourse, 60 Minutes like its media counterparts has perpetuated this war for its own means. Overton discusses how the AFL is set to invade NRL heartland through grass roots level programs. The story also over exaggerates this war; “so, stand by for the mother of all battles for the hearts, minds and pockets of Australian footy fans” http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/stories/peteroverton/567872/turf-war. While it could be considered that Overton’s story used good journalistic practice through the incorporation of a number of firsthand accounts, from both code bosses to a handful of mothers, his story fails to present a different perspective. Rather Overton’s ‘exclusive’ insight into this war concluded that the AFL could potentially wipe out the NRL. Like the majority of television news materials, Overton’s story portrayed the NRL as innocent victims who are about to be destroyed by an unstoppable evil force. Let’s face it, we are not stupid yet we are treated by ‘mainstream’ media as such. Why?
This all comes down to ideology which fuels media giants’ agendas. “60 Minutes” is a programme which is part of the nine network. The network is owned and operated by media giant CVC Asia Pacific http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Entertainment_Co. You are all probably thinking that this has no relevance. However it is important to understand the network’s owners who dictate the type of material presented to its audience. The network itself has vested interests in the NRL code being the prime broadcaster of its weekly games. As a result, Overton’s presentation of this issue heavily favours the NRL for the sake of ‘towing the company’s line’.
We, the audience of media materials have been subject to television programs which rather meet the obligations of its business partnerships than the people. This is common practice in mainstream media which pushes its own agenda and is a detriment to the public sphere. This phenomenon I like to call the ‘choking affect’. Such actions are effectively ruining the public sphere and traditional media sources must be held accountable for their actions.
saysmecaitlin 