Language, Still Pictures, & Moving Pictures

In this piece by Postman and Powers, they are discussing the similarities and differences between a TV newscast story and a newspaper story. They feel there is a difference between the actual displays of images about the occurrences then about the texts of said occurrences. Nobody will use the precise words to define any given situation; therefore one must know that there is more than one way to skin a cat. “In any given situation there will be three types of language variables being assessed, pure description, a judgment, and lastly, an inference” (Postman & Powers, 2008). The issue with these comes into play in both television news program and through a journalist of a newspaper story. Both areas call for an honest approach to the story, however a lot of times the journalist or newscaster will put their own spin on it by trying to use descriptive words. “For example, you might hear an anchor introduce a story by saying: [Today Congress ordered an investigation of the explosive issue of whether Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign made a deal with Iran in 1980 to delay the release of American hostages until after the election]” (Postman & Powers, 2008).

 When one deals with images, it can only pertain to certain exactitudes. The explanation is restricted to a single point when talking about still images. For moving images to be most effective it needs to be some sort of action like an avalanche, tornado winds, or torrential rains that brought about flooding. Viewers would be more interested in seeing those moving pictures then a still shot of some papers that are supposed to be a budget for Congress to pass. Television viewers are more interested in stories revolving around moving images then of still shots. This is because it adds to the appeal and sensationalism of the story. “the appearance of a scattershot story order is really orchestrated to draw the audience from one story to the next-one section to the next—through the commercial breaks to the end of the show” (Postman & Powers, 2008).

Today there is a necessity for all to be encompassed, so that journalists will not be tempted to have drawn-out or convoluted accounts of situations that occur. The media is only feeding us bits and pieces of the story to prolong all the details and try to get more of society involved. This feeling can be overwhelming at times and frustrate even the calmest of people.

References

Postman, N., & Powers, S. (2008). The Bias of Language, The Bias of Pictures. In L. Gray-Rosendale, & E. Barosse (Ed.), Pop Perspectives (pp. 481-489). New York City, NY, United States: Lisa Moore.