The news networks clamour for the latest updates regarding the ridiculous saga that has become known as "Balloon Boy" (which for those that have somehow missed it, is not the latest comic book superhero movie about to be released), with accusations flying this way and that, claiming the unfortunate boy's family are seeking a drop of publicity!
I don't know if any of the news people or the folks twittering and bittering on every website this side of the moon has realised yet, that if indeed publicity was the name of the game for "balloon mum and dad" then they have quite handily laid it neatly on a shiny silver platter for them. Who exactly has the most egg on face right now?
The joy (and big bucks) of sensationalism know no bounds, it appears. Are we all falling victim to an almighty double duping? One, "no boy in runaway balloon" shocker and two, a universe of publicity, when the very thing most would wish to deny the "balloon clan" is exactly that! It may not be rocket science, but it may well be a stroke of genius.
Regardless of whether a jail sentence or other reprimand follows, history tells us, this will not be enough for publicity seeking, absent minded television networks to deny those in question even more coverage, perhaps even a prime time slot for the reality TV show many think the family crave. It could even begin behind prison walls with the cameras following Balloon Senior's attempts to construct an escape vehicle from a toothbrush and toilet paper!
What's that noise? Well, it should be the sound of the penny dropping for all those news stations that have ordered their minions to camp outside a suburban home or a second rate celebrity's hotel or holiday spot, but alas the clicking and the clamouring have drowned the poor penny of realisation, in an abyss of pointless news and lazy entertainment.
Do you remember a scene from the third "Die Hard" movie, when Jeremy Irons' character cleverly lures away, on a wild goose chase the city's entire police force? Meanwhile, the villainous team of baddies steal all the gold from an unguarded bank!
Maybe there are too many journalists or not enough real stories to keep them interested but could we please at least try to get back to some proper news now?
Currently studying freelance journalism, Julian is a creative writer and poet and writes both professionally and for pleasure. Professionally, Julian writes articles for an internet marketing company and although he is often restricted by topic, his writing still maintains his own unique style. He has written a series of heartfelt and impartial articles about the success and controversy surrounding the electronic cigarette. He has found the discipline involved with this work to be a great writing exercise and believes it enhances and improves the rest of his writing. Julian's articles at Searchwarp are of a much more personal nature, where he feels he can express his views and interests in the world around him.
Excellemt article Julian, and I love the points you made about media coverage. Unfortunatly I believe "news" reporting has degenerated into a bit of a joke. Wonder what it will take for them to realize that?
Hi Joyce, thanks for the comment. I agree when you say "new" reporting has become a joke. Will they realize? I suspect they already know, but are making too much money to care! Thanks again, Julian
I like Arianna Huffington's commentary, that the only sensible reaction to the story came from young Hawke Heene, who vomited twice on television. There are more important things going on. No one was really hurt.
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