When I first saw it, my jaw dropped. I was channel serving when I quickly noticed a banner across Sean Hannity’s Fox News program. But first, let me make something perfectly clear. I am NOT a regular viewer of Fox News. In fact, because I find their so-called news programs full of inaccuracies, pointed exaggerations, and flat-out disinformation so egregious that I have dubbed it Faux News. Be that as it may, I will occasionally stop and watch for a minute or two just to see how outrageous their alternative facts might be for any given story.
The banner was highlighting the news that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was investigating CBS in support of President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit (that’s right $10 BILLION) claiming that CBS had selectively and deceptively edited a Kamala Harris answer during a 60 Minutes interview while she was campaigning. In an unprecedented move and under FCC pressure, CBS released a longer, more complete answer that was used for another program. Hannity played both clips and went on to encourage viewers to see how they deliberately turned “word salad” (his words) into a coherent, more positive response.
Are you kidding me?
That college dropout, blowhard was trying to explain a process most people, including him, have little or no idea about.
Fortunately, I do know something about it.
You see, I spent over 40 years in the TV production/news business working in about every position that profession had to offer. During that time, I performed as a production assistant, a producer, reporter, writer, director, technician. editor, and more. I spent the last 20 years of my career working for the National Desk at CBS News in New York. I have been retired for the last few years but still maintain my press credentials and I teach a multi-media graduate level course at Fordham University, Lincoln Center. It’s Editing 101!
So, without false modesty, I know what the hell I’m talking about. And I know this:
- I watched both clips of the interview and there was NO so-called word salad. Both clips made perfect sense. One just happened to be a bit longer because it contained conversational words that aren’t necessary in the final interpretation.
- That’s what editing IS! EVERY interview, especially those involving National
figures, is ALWAYS longer than the final EDITED version. Interviews of that nature can last a half hour or more. It is simply impossible to use the ENTIRE interview in a news piece that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 or 15 minutes in TOTAL! - It’s the JOB of the producers and editors, who are HIGHLY TRAINED TO DO SO, to condense ALL of the information into a usable form while still preserving the SPIRIT of the message.
- CBS did an outstanding job in doing just that.
It’s a classic tactic that earned them the title Faux News. They parade the handsome Mr. Hannity before his adoring audience (I have witnessed them at LIVE events, and they are totally enamored) to make nonsense sound good. And, let me tell you, it IS nonsense.
But if you choose to believe him, despite the expertise I offer you to the contrary, then there is little else that I can do to convince you otherwise. But, be warned. This constant drumbeat of misinformation is another drop in what will soon become a torrent, washing away ALL of the freedoms we supposedly hold so dear.
The way to resist is through vigilance and acquired knowledge. But we must WORK on it. Do not believe everything that you hear or read – at least until you have researched it further. Good, accurate information IS available – IF you make the effort to find it. Beware of cognitive dissonance. Do not start out simply looking to prove your point. Search for the truth and you will find it.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are those of this independent writer and not the Nyack News & Views editorial staff. We welcome submissions from anybody who is interested in publishing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives about issues facing our community, both large and small. Please send to info@nyacknewsandviews.com with detailed contact information.
Photo credit: Frank LoBuono
