New York Fox station demonstrates reporting 101

A lot of old media types really hate blogs. They hate them because there is no training, credentials or censorship involved. Its pure unadulterated opinion and analysis. But the reason why blogs have appeared in such hefty numbers is because it isn't hard to cover something you are passionate about. It is also really easy to pick apart bullshit reporting, especially if you've ever watched season five of The Wire or the West Wing.

Just watch this My Fox report on underground MMA clubs in New York City. The producer, editor and reporter pick a story line e and run with it. Oh my god, shocking fighting occurring in the Bronx. This is the end of civilization! Never mind that if this is so horrible and morally degrading then it is somewhat hypocritical to be showing it!



[Side note: the efficacy of underground fighting, which is not regulated by state athletic commissions is not a good idea. Underground and illegal fighting events like the one featured, I do not approve of. However a responsible reporter would of examined the issues from several sides as oppose of presenting a 'shock report'. First that MMA fighting is happening regardless of the ban. Due to it not being regulated it becomes more dangerous, i.e. no doctors or pre/post fight medical exams that athletic commissions require. A conclusion that could be drawn, but isn't even mentioned is if these fights are occurring and popular why not legalize it and regulate it, like the rest of the country has?]

When you watch the report more closely without going Hulk in rage due to bias, you notice how the Fox employees built the narrative. Take fight stock footage, put some menacing music behind it, enhance the drama with a whip cracking sound (also making the fighting seem more violent), and describe it with a softer feminine voice sounded shocked and dismayed. Also they don't mention the fact that MMA is legal in oh forty states, or its sterling health record, which by the way is far more impressive then the NFL. But that's my point it is easy to scare people or shock someone when you artificially create a narrative to fit the message you want to articulate. Its called propaganda, and it is becoming all too prevasive in our culture.