As I was listening to CNN on the car radio yesterday, 2 guest commentators began to talk over and cut each other off as they ranted on some controversial topic. I love a good argument, but when people do that, as CNN and other talk shows seem to increasingly encourage, I just change the channel.
When you can no longer follow or understand the exchange, and the guests descend into fury, feigned or real, I have no time for it. Spirited debate is fine, but such brawls are perhaps best left to the reality shows, those Roman Colosseums of disgusting combat of our day.
If CNN and the rest don’t get the hint to bring back some civility, they won’t get my attention at all anymore.
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August 16, 2010 at 10:20
Katharine Russell
Agreed. I love watching Fox, but all too often debates turn into shouting matches. I believe that this behavior has become an acceptable talk show and talking head ‘tactic’ for many professional commentators. However, many of these professional big mouths would take advantage of civility to advance their agendas. If we are to return to civility on the air, we’ll also need the return of tough hosting. It is the job of the moderator to cut guests off if they go too long or get off topic. Moreover, it is their job to stop inviting abusers back on the air no matter what their ratings look like.