The Charlie Sheen Media Saga: Is Violence Against Women Really Okay?

March 3, 2011 Leave a comment

Perhaps the strangest aspect of the whole Charlie Sheen media storm, at least from my perspective, is that the furor has been about his drug use and his tirades against his producer.  Don’t get me wrong, those aren’t good things, but physically and verbally abusing women, seem like activities that should be a bit higher on the outrage meter.  Yet Sheen always appears to get a pass when it comes to those behaviors.

One would think that such actions against women would cause overwhelming media furor, some national outrage, maybe a few raised eyebrows on the part of CBS.  And Sheen didn’t simply accost one woman, there were a number and he did it repeatedly over the years.  Why was this behavior so forgivable, whereas drug abuse and name calling cause production to come to a halt?  Much of this behavior started before his current TV show, but it has continued throughout the years.  To give credit where credit is due, CNN did report on these issues with a report called: “Scandals Don’t Faze Charlie Sheen’s Career.” The segment echoed the fact that no one seemed to care.

Just to cover some of his history on this front, Sheen served two years’ probation for a 1996 assault on then-girlfriend Brittany Ashland.  A year earlier he settled a case out of court with a woman who claimed he’d hit her when she refused to have sex with him. In 1990, in an incident deemed an accident; he shot his then fiancée Kelly Preston in the arm; not to mention the accounts by ex-wives Denise Richards’ and Brooke Mueller.  Other accusations coming from hookers and porn stars have followed. His choosing to take drugs, or going off on a tirade against his employers just doesn’t seem to fall in the same category as physical abuse; yet it was his most recent actions that caused to (at least temporarily) pull the plug.

Granted Sheen was not overly polite to his producer.  In a recent interview he said that he (Sheen) must have embarrassed him (Lorre) “in front of his children and the world by healing at a pace that his un-evolved mind cannot process.”  He then ranted on calling Lorre a “turd” and a “clown” and later used an anti-semitic term while referring to Lorre’s name. None of that will win you high grades with your employer, but still it pales compared to some of Sheen’s other actions.

But, so seems to be the case.  Now that Sheen has been chastised by CBS and his show has been halted, what moves can he make?  First and foremost he needs to stop trying to control the media storm.  Currently he’s basically trying to put out the fire with gasoline. From what I’ve seen, his recent interviews are only digging a deeper hole.  He needs to understand he’s not the one to make the call in this situation.  That’s obviously something that’s difficult for him.  Right now it’s not clear if he fully understands the gravity of the situation.  He’s in crash and burn mode and he might need to completely hit the wall before he can start to work on repairing the damage.  It will take time.  He’ll need to publicly own up to what he’s done.  He’ll need to show true remorse and find ways to make amends.  The public is forgiving.  If they see that he has changed his ways, that he sees what he’s done and that he is truly sorry, he can start to win them back.  He’s one of, the if not the, top paid actors on TV (or was until recently).  He’s the star of a top rated network show.  He can turn this around, but not by continuing his current behavior.   An advisor needs to step in and take control of this free-fall.  It can be reversed to some extent, but before the media damage can be repaired, the crux of the matter needs to be dealt with.

From my perspective, the real question isn’t whether Sheen can turn this situation around, but why this fiasco was allowed to drag on so long and why action wasn’t taken sooner.  More importantly why were the acts of violence against women not deemed that important?  In the end that might say more about us and the media than it does about Charlie Sheen.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2011

Filed under Entertainment, Media, Media Coverage Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

What Was the Biggest Media Story of 2010?

December 6, 2010 Leave a comment

I generally write articles about PR and marketing tips but would like to turn the tables and have you write us for a change.  Send us what you believe was the biggest media story of 2010, and why.  If we pick your submission, you and I will have an hour and a half PR brainstorming and strategy session.  We’ll focus on developing your stories, how to pitch your stories and how to develop a comprehensive PR/Social Media program to help take your business to the next level in 2011.

To be eligible you need to email or comment on the blog- your submissions by no later than 11:59 on December 31, 2010.  We’ll be contacting the winners via email on January 7th, 2011

All you need to do is comment here, or email me at pryourstory@gmail.com, what you thought was the biggest or most important media story of 2010 and why.  It could be a story of genuine importance, or perhaps a story you thought was trivial but was given importance by the media coverage. You choose.  At year’s end, Anthony Mora Communications, Inc. will post a blog showing everyone’s thoughts and submissions.  I’ll write my take on it and will incorporate your various submissions.

Have fun with this and remember to check your emails on January 7th to see if you won a free hour and a half PR brainstorming and strategy session with Anthony Mora Communications, Inc.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2010

email:  pryourstory@gmail.com

Filed under business, Entertainment, Marketing, Media, PR, PR Campaign Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Marketing Music and Making It

October 20, 2010 1 Comment

The music industry is enjoying robust ticket sales.  People are willing to pay a hundred and up for a single ticket.   Many say that what the industry is losing in record sales, it’s making up in merchandising and concert attendance.

“It’s not good, but better than a stick in the eye,” said one music insider –“or at least better than yet one more illegally downloaded track.”  But is this current model of generating funds via monster rock tours one that the industry can truly look at as its savior?   It’s doubtful.  One look at the acts that are bringing in the huge crowds and brisk hundred-dollar-and-over-per-seat seat ticket sales to a floundering industry, and it becomes painfully obvious that this is not a sustainable model unless the players shift dramatically and soon.

The big draws in music are not the new or breaking acts.  Lady GaGa is a relatively new phenomena and player, but she is far from the norm.  The big draws in the rock world have been there for decades and a new crop with the same drawing power does not seem to be in the offing.  The superstars that are selling out stadiums are getting to be a bit long in the tooth.  It’s not Spoon that is selling out stadiums at over a hundred dollars per ticket, it’s the old guard; it’s Springsteen, the Stones, McCartney, Madonna and James Taylor.  Ironically, U2 and the Chili Peppers are considered relative newcomers in this crop and Cold Play and Radio Head signal the new faces, although they’ve been around for years.

Income from live performances, sponsorships, along with revenue from publishing and online streaming is offering some counterbalance to the loss in record sales.  Free music streaming services are beginning to bring in some revenue.  Music is also being licensed to companies such as Nokia which bundles it into its overall price.  Still, without the benefit of radio support and the star making machinery of the past, it’s going to be difficult to launch this generation’s Arrowsmith or Guns and Roses.  The mold is broken and it’s doubtful that it can be replicated, at least not until a new model is created

There will always be the Taylor Swifts, Kings of Leon and Justin Biebers who breakthrough, but more and more those type of mass market artists are going to be the exception.  They will be corporately designed entities, or winners (and sometime losers) of TV talent shows.  Apart from those avenues there are few ways that acts can be exposed to millions of fans.

So, what’s a new band or musical artist to do? How does this new crop reach the masses?  Maybe they don’t.  Perhaps the focus of new musicians should shift from mass to niche.  At least for the present, this is not the time to shoot for the mass market.

This may no longer be a time when an A&R rep finds a band and creates a superstar, but more than ever now, bands and musicians can reach their fans and create a market on their own.  The following are some marketing and business approaches to consider.

1) Create a website that reflects who you are and showcases your music

2) Start a blog about your music and your journey.  Make it interactive.  Let others communicate with and connect to you

3)  Begin a concerted social media outreach that includes Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Digg, youTube, etc.

4) Focus on targeted local gigs and promote them

5) As you grow, focus on targeted regional touring

6) A creative PR outreach to the local, regional and national media.

7) Submit your music to be played on TV shows

8) Submit your music and your band for product and commercial tie-ins or support

9) Start a small merchandising outreach including downloads, CDs, T-shirts, and the like.

There are new creative ways for artists to grow and thrive.  Think niche markets.  Find an audience that understands and enjoys your music.  Build a following and a tribe.  You need to be creative, persistent and think like a marketing maven as well as like an artist.  But with the right tools, approach and gameplan, you can succeed.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2010

Filed under art, Entertainment, marketing music, music, music industry Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Successfully Marketing via the Internet

October 12, 2010 Leave a comment

The entertainment and the information industries have never encountered times like these.  The internet changed all the rules without bothering to inform anyone.  Even the sex industry, which initially saw the net as its cash cow is hemorrhaging money at record rates.  The two most obvious victims are the newspaper and the music industries.  As a generation came of age believing that content and intellectual property was free – everything changed.

According to the Economist, since 2000, 72 American newspapers have folded and circulation has fallen by a quarter since 2007.  But that pales compared to the thrashing the music industry has taken.  According to some accounts 95% of all music downloads are illegal.  95%!   What industry can survive that?  The book industry is following suit and the film industry is playing with new models in hopes of hanging onto as many dollars as possible.

So does this spell the end of these industries?  No, that’s not happening, but these are trying, difficult times as everyone from CEO’s to new artists are trying to figure out models that work.  And those models are there.

In India, the number of daily newspapers has surged by an amazing 44% according to the World Association of Newspapers.  The Times of India with a circulation of 4m is the world’s biggest English-language newspaper.  As publishers shift from English language and focus more on regional and local language publications, there will be an even greater growth.  The situation in India is a very different one compared to that in the U.S.  The internet has yet to take hold there as it has here.  But there is still a lesson to be learned.  For example, the newspaper industry in India is slowly moving from the English-language monolithic model to a more segmented, niche approach.  Therein lies one of the main secrets to success in this brave new world.

This is no longer a time to throw out as wide a net as possible; this is a time of specialization and niche marketing.  Find your market, focus on your target, and define who your viewers, readers, listeners or buyers are.  Now market to them specifically; use the internet which has created these challenging times as your ally.  The net offers you some amazing opportunities and avenues to communicate with your consumers and clients.

Develop a marketing strategy based on traditional public relations and social media.  Create free content that visitors want to read that will then lead them to content or products you can sell.  Have them join with you, become part of your tribe (so to speak).

A targeted media relations campaign can help establish you via magazines, newspapers and TV, you can then utilize that press coverage by amplifying it online.  Have your PR work for you.  It can separate you from your competition and establish you in your field Post your media hits on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and YouTube.  Post them on your site and your blog.  Create a targeted offline/online media relations approach.  You’ll soon discover that the internet (the culprit that caused all these problems in the first place) can become your most effective marketing tool and your number one ally.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2010

 

Filed under Entertainment, information, Internet, internet marketing, Media, Media Relations Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wikileaks Illustrates A Traditional PR Approach To Media Dissemination

July 31, 2010 1 Comment

After deciding that it was going to leak secret U.S. military reports on Afghanistan WikiLeaks had a number of options.  It could have set up a press conference, posted the information on its site, released it on a wire service, or sent it to a number of media outlets simultaneously.  But it did none of those; it basically offered an exclusive to the New York Times, Britain’s Guardian newspaper and Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine.  It was the credibility of those three media outlets that caused the story to spread like wildfire, which is exactly what those at WikiLeaks were beating on.  The New York Times, Guardian and Der Spiegel did the heavy lifting; they validated and legitimized the story.

The source of the leaks is still being investigated.  According to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, “The Justice Department is working with the Department of Defense with regard to an investigation concerning who the source of those leaks might be.  Whether there will be any criminal charges brought depends on how the investigation goes.” President Obama, he’s “concerned about the disclosure of sensitive information from the battlefield that could potentially jeopardize individuals or operations.”

Whether the leaks were a good or bad idea, will be argued for quite awhile, but WikiLeaks’ media approach does illustrate how, in the age of social media, blogging and free news on the Internet, the PR tactic of disseminating information to the mainstream traditional media to legitimize a story, build interest and take a story viral, still leads the way.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2010

Filed under audience, business, Entertainment, Politics, PR, PR Campaign, traditional media Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is the Right’s Media Message Wrong?

July 30, 2010 Leave a comment

Obama’s popularity ratings continue to plummet.  The passage of the health care and financial reform, which should have triggered celebration on the blue side of the aisle, don’t seem to be giving any up tick to the president’s PR position.  The BP spill, and the administration’s glacial reaction to it, hasn’t helped the President’s cause much and there seems to be an uncomfortable internal battle between the President and those in his party that are running for reelection.

This is a prime opening for the Republicans, yet in many ways it’s the Republicans who truly seem at war with one another.  From the media’s perspective, the party or Reagan now seems to view “moderate’ as a term only surpassed in distain by that deadly label – “liberal”.

The Democrats are doing their best to portray Republicans as the party of ‘no” and unless they begin to propose workable alternatives to the Democrat’s agenda, they run the risk of being viewed mainly as obstructionists, as opposed to problem solvers.  Whereas the county does seem to be veering to the right, any true success will most likely not come by making a hard right.  Britain tried that and their Conservatives paid for it.  It took a centrist, David Cameron, to begin to bring Britain’s conservatives back to the forefront.

Michael Steele doesn’t seem to be the chairman that the RNC needs at this time.  As Obama’s ratings nosedive, the Republicans need a strategic co-coordinator to rally the troops and come up with a strategic unified message, as opposed to several splintered messages. The party also needs to develop some strong presidential front runners.  Sarah Palin is definitely a strong brand name, and a wealthy one.  ABC new estimated that Palin had made in excess of $12 million since stepping down as Alaska’s governor. Yet a recent CNN pool has Obama beating her by 55% to 42% in a head-to-head battle.  More worrisome for the Palin camp, 69% stated she was not qualified to be president.  Obviously much can change between not and 2012, but at present there seems to be no urgency to develop a strong conservative platform with room for moderates.

For now, many view the Republicans as the party of obstructionism, with an intolerance that seems to view any form of cooperation or compromise as a type of blasphemy not to be tolerated.  The Tea Party could become a truly influential movement, but without a true agenda apart from big government being a bad thing, chances are it will eventually implode or begin to splinter into various factions.

This is a perfect opportunity for the Republicans to swoop in and capitalize on the current anger and dissatisfaction in the country, but without a strategic media campaign that reaches out to and resonates with the voters; it could well be a missed opportunity

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2010

Filed under business, democrats, Entertainment, Media Relations, news, obama, Politics, PR, PR Campaign, Public Relations, republicans Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tiger Woods & A Brand in Jeopardy

December 4, 2009 Leave a comment

There seems to be a legion of media experts stating that the Tiger Woods story is no story, that it will not affect his career and that it will soon blow over.  Decidedly, it will eventually blow over, yet as to whether this is a story, the experts seem to be in the minority, since, from my vantage point, it appears that everyone else thinks it’s a huge story.  I’ve tried to avoid it but have had no luck.  I’m about ready for the octuplets  to resurface, to give me a breather.  Whether people think this should be a story could be argued, but it’s a bit of a moot point, since it most certainly is one.

Myriad celebrities, particularly sports figures have been embroiled in public scandals and survived them.  From affairs, to violent altercations, to drug abuse, a litany of sports figures have fallen, some harder than other, but generally they’ve withstood the fall

But Tiger Woods finds himself in a unique position.  He’s on his way to becoming the first billionaire sports star.  He defines his sport.  He transcends the sport.  He is one of the most recognizable figures worlds wide. He is publicly known for his achievements on the course, but beyond that he’s known for his smile, his wholesomeness and his family. What Oszzie and Harriet were to TV in the 1950’s, he is to sports in the millennium.  He is a very specific, very narrowly-defined brand, one that sells millions of dollars worth of products.

Because of that, his situation is singular.  Many suggest that Woods can employ the same strategies that Kobe Bryant used six years ago when he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman.  But, the Kobe Bryant’s and Ray Lewis’s of the world are positioned to withstand scandals more easily.  Kobe always had an edge.  He was known for his swagger, his attitude, his battles with Shaq, his bling.  His endorsers embraced his edge.  That type of image can more readily weather scandal.  Of course it helps that he continues to win.  People forgive winners an awful lot.

But fans don’t love Tiger for his flash and companies don’t hire him for his edge.  Tiger’s brand is more vulnerable, more easily tarnished and shaken.  Mom and apple pie do not do well in the glare of the media and under the strain of illicit affairs and unanswered questions.

Will the media frenzy stop?  Undoubtedly.  Soon the TMZ’s of the world will tire and move on to the next scandal.  Unlike most sports figures who find themselves in damage control mode, Tiger Woods is accused of no crime.  Yet, even if the media frenzy were to stop today, his image is changed forever. The fact that the Tiger Woods brand is paying a price is a definite.  How big a price is the question.   Yes, he’ll continue to be an amazing success, but are there companies considering endorsements that will now think twice before making what not long ago would have been an automatic decision?  That we’ll never really know.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2009

Filed under Entertainment, Media, Sports, Tiger Woods Tagged with , ,

Oprah Announces the End of TV’s Holy Grail  

November 20, 2009 Leave a comment

She is a phenomenon unlike any other I’ve witnessed.  I’ve run a Los Angeles-based public relations firm for over two decades and during most of that time, whenever I’ve met with a prospective client, I’d count the seconds waiting for that inevitable line – “I would be perfect for Oprah” or “Oprah will thank you for pitching this story to her,” or better yet, “Oprah would pay to have this on her show.”  Who would have guessed that a daytime talk show would become the Holy Grail of the PR world?  Even clients, whose client story was more appropriate for the Wall Street Journal or Forbes, or CNN wanted that shot for the golden ring on Oprah.

Yes, we booked clients on the show, but that was never easy.  Nearly everyone wanted to be on her show.  Yes there were some who realized she was the wrong outlet, but those I could count on one hand.  Most waited with baited breath.  I had one client cancel a competing talk show appearance because she was afraid it would ruin her chances of appearing on Oprah.  The way most people viewed it was, Oprah made stars, Oprah changed people’s lives and that’s where they belonged.  One of the most difficult parts of my job has been trying to convince some clients that not only was there no chance of them appearing on the show, it was the wrong media outlet and the wrong target market for them.  That didn’t matter.  It was Oprah and her draw has always been like its own gravity field.

It’s hard to think of another show as influential as Oprah.  She launched other talks shows, created brands and turned writers into mega-selling top selling authors.  In many ways she changed the topography of TV as we know it.  It’s going to be interesting.  After September 9, 2011, which is when the show is scheduled to end, what will become the next media must-have?  There’s always The Real Housewives of Orange County.  Well, maybe not.

 

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Filed under Entertainment, Marketing, Media, PR Campaign Tagged with , , , , ,

The Sarah Palin/Megan Fox Connection  

November 18, 2009 Leave a comment

This is a brave new media world for marketing celebrities and politicians, one in which, the reality TV approach seems to be leading the way.  Take two of the bigger celebrities of 2009, the sultry Megan Fox and the roughish Sara Palin.  The two would seem to have little in common; they’ve marketed themselves quite differently, yet they both have taken pages from the reality TV approach to media and in doing so one has catapulted herself into the spotlight and the other has firmly anchored herself in the very same light.

Sarah Palin gained some national recognition as the Governor of Alaska but made the leap to the forefront after being named John McCain’s running mate as the Republican’s vice presidential candidate.  Anyone in that position would have commanded the media spotlight.  Yet Palin’s star shown all the brighter for her unorthodox style and approach.  She very quickly turned herself into a media lighting rod.   Since she lost the election and resigned as governor, her media game-plan has become even more unique.  With the launch of her book, one can safely argue that her media approach is closer to a celebrity, along the lines of a Megan Fox, than to a politician such as a Colin Powell, or an Al Gore.  In similar, yet remarkably different veins Sarah Palin and Megan Fox are utilizing some of the basic tenants found in the Reality TV PR handbook.  Unlike Miss Fox, the former vice presidential candidate does not discuss her tattoos or pose scantly dressed, but she does fulfill many of the primary requirements of reality TV PR.  She’s combative; she’s outspoken (some would say to a fault), pugnacious, she seems to care little about burning bridges and she complains how she has been maligned and abused by the media.   This is standard reality TV fare.   She more often shares her personal experiences and embarrassments, than she discusses political ideas or national issues.  In her new book, she rather seductively explains why she would not divorce her husband.  Her candor has created a loyal following.  Many see her as honest, forthright and as one of them.  Whereas her approach lands her unparalleled media coverage, is this the type of image that would benefit an aspiring political candidate?

Megan Fox has made a media splash which far and away eclipses any of TV or film projects she’s been involved in.  Yes, she’s gorgeous, yes she’s sexy and her image has landed in more than a few publications.  But this is Hollywood; there are quite a few actresses who are gorgeous, sexy and whose photos have graced a number of celebrity-oriented publications.  Yet, Megan stands alone and has been crowned this year’s “it” girl.  Why?  She knows how to play the media like a well-tuned violin.  She plays sex goddess not with a coy or subtle approach, but smack-in-your-face leer.  She’s willingly talked about how her lust matches that of any male, has discussed kissing other females and has explained exactly where her boyfriend’s name is tattooed on her anatomy.  Without having to become a reality TV star, she has utilized the reality TV formula to leap over the competition to the top of the celebrity heap.  Her rise has been so meteoric that the New York Times magazine ran a cover story explaining the Megan Fox phenomena.  The trouble is reality TV approach thrives on controversy and not substance.  Being untalented on reality TV is not a detriment.  People identify with reality stars, not with movie stars.  And that is now Megan’s dilemma.  If she can’t jump from shock media exposure to stories that focus on her acting ability, she and those handling her could be setting the stage for a stellar fall.

Media coverage is important, but the adage that any media is good media is a foolish one.  How the media covers a personality defines how the public views that personality.  Plus the media is fickle; it loves to take one to the summit so the fall can be even more monumental.  A spectacular fall makes for good ratings.   Whether Palin and Fox can control the media furor they’ve unleashed and use it to craft the careers they hope for is an open question.  One that only time will answer.

Copyright © Anthony Mora 2009

Filed under Entertainment, Media, Media Coverage, news, PR, PR Campaign Tagged with , , , , , , ,

Fame Addiction: Human Train Wrecks as Entertainment

October 26, 2009 Leave a comment

Jon & Kate and the balloon boy hoax are the latest in what is growing into a disturbing, albeit ever-expanding list of fame addicts; people who become famous, simply because they crave fame.   I’m already beginning to miss the tabloid-hell days of Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears.  We have hit a new deranged zenith when it comes to fame addiction.  This is a strange malady.  The most bizarre aspect of this addiction is that fame, in whatever form it comes, is the objective.  It used to be that fame was the desired byproduct of a triumphant career.  You became famous because you were a successful actor, or you recorded a hit song, or created a unique new product.  Now fame, in and of itself, is truly the name of the game.

How did we get here?  From my perspective it goes back to the O.J. Simpson murder trial.  That was perhaps the first true reality show.   A real life trial became a form of entertainment, beating the ratings of most daytime shows that went head to head with it.  We then had a flurry of celebrities-gone-wrong tabloid stories.  These celebrities gained media coverage for their notoriety not for their talent.  Paris Hilton then took the forefront, becoming internationally famous for, well… for being Paris.  Next came the true seismic shift, as reality TV began to make its mark.  People began to see that they could become famous not for their talent, or their art, but for the simple act of humiliating themselves in front of the world.  Apparently for many that’s a trade-off that is more than worth it.  Not only are there people who are willing to go to these lengths to grab attention at any cost, but that there is a vast audience willing and eager to watch them do so.

Then there is the business angle, the dollars and cents reason these people exist.  We have a voracious 24/7 news cycle.  Along with the networks and cable, we now have blogs and social media sites. For years now, the news has been more entertainment-based than news-oriented.  But, more importantly, (going back to my O.J. theory) after producers saw the numbers generated by the O.J. trial, light bulbs went off from coast to coast.  What if they created their own sensationalistic programs?  What if they did away with actors, writers, directors, did away with production values and had people humiliate one another on national TV?  How inexpensive would it be to produce a series of flavor-of-the-month reality shows as opposed to trying to launch another ER, Friends or Boston Legal?   But, would anyone watch?  You bet!

It is all a piece, as I see it.  You have people who otherwise would have no chance at media exposure, who now dominate the spotlight.   You have production companies and networks that realize the value of this type of fame-addicted media personality and you have a public that is being conditioned to watch human train-wrecks as entertainment.  So, we end up with The

Jon & Kate and the balloon boy hoax are the latest in what is growing into a disturbing, albeit ever-expanding list of fame addicts; people who become famous, simply because they crave fame.   I’m already beginning to miss the tabloid-hell days of Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears.  We have hit a new deranged zenith when it comes to fame addiction.  This is a strange malady.  The most bizarre aspect of this addiction is that fame, in whatever form it comes, is the objective.  It used to be that fame was the desired byproduct of a triumphant career.  You became famous because you were a successful actor, or you recorded a hit song, or created a unique new product.  Now fame, in and of itself, is truly the name of the game.

How did we get here?  From my perspective it goes back to the O.J. Simpson murder trial.  That was perhaps the first true reality show.   A real life trial became a form of entertainment, beating the ratings of most daytime shows that went head to head with it.  We then had a flurry of celebrities-gone-wrong tabloid stories.  These celebrities gained media coverage for their notoriety not for their talent.  Paris Hilton then took the forefront, becoming internationally famous for, well… for being Paris.  Next came the true seismic shift, as reality TV began to make its mark.  People began to see that they could become famous not for their talent, or their art, but for the simple act of humiliating themselves in front of the world.  Apparently for many that’s a trade-off that is more than worth it.  Not only are there people who are willing to go to these lengths to grab attention at any cost, but that there is a vast audience willing and eager to watch them do so.

Then there is the business angle, the dollars and cents reason these people exist.  We have a voracious 24/7 news cycle.  Along with the networks and cable, we now have blogs and social media sites. For years now, the news has been more entertainment-based than news-oriented.  But, more importantly, (going back to my O.J. theory) after producers saw the numbers generated by the O.J. trial, light bulbs went off from coast to coast.  What if they created their own sensationalistic programs?  What if they did away with actors, writers, directors, did away with production values and had people humiliate one another on national TV?  How inexpensive would it be to produce a series of flavor-of-the-month reality shows as opposed to trying to launch another ER, Friends or Boston Legal?   But, would anyone watch?  You bet!

It is all a piece, as I see it.  You have people who otherwise would have no chance at media exposure, who now dominate the spotlight.   You have production companies and networks that realize the value of this type of fame-addicted media personality and you have a public that is being conditioned to watch human train-wrecks as entertainment.  So, we end up with The Bachelor, Wife Swap and The Real Housewife’s of Atlanta as our entertainment and metallic hot air balloon hoaxes as the lead stories on the evening news.   I suppose we’ve earned it.

Bachelor, Wife Swap and The Real Housewife’s of Atlanta as our entertainment and metallic hot air balloon hoaxes as the lead stories on the evening news.   I suppose we’ve earned it.

Filed under Entertainment Tagged with , , ,

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