AP Lang AOTD Chapter 7 “Now…this” Period 5 Major Concepts and Vocabulary: “Now…this” – A common phrase a newscaster uses to transition from one news story to another. In news casts today, this term doesn’t always move the attention from one relevant topic to another relevant topic; it can often transition from a serious story to a story made solely for entertainment (usually with no true content in it). Outcue– Usually the last words a reporter says in a news story indicating the piece is ending. The News reporter typically uses the same outcue every time they sign off, inviting the audience to tune in the following night or to thank them for tuning in that night. (Example: “FOR UPDATE NEWS, I’M BILL SMITH.” “So long, until tomorrow.”, ”Thanks for watching. I’m Cindy Brown.”, “Good night and good luck.”) Pulchritudinous: The physical comeliness of an individual. News casters are notoriously known for their beautiful appearance while on the job. Their hair is hair sprayed to perfection and their make-up is layered onto their spray tans without even a microscopic error. To the public, a more beautiful person is believed to be more trustworthy and accurate. Therefore, the pulchritudinous of a news broadcaster is a top priority. Disinformation: Neil Postman defines the term as misleading information that creates knowledge that in turn leads you away from the actual information. This false information is deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. News casters use this disinformation to produce more of an entertainment allusion for the audience. Credibility: Presently, news broadcasters use the allusion of being trustworthy or believable in order to unveil their version of the truth of the events happening around the world. Their credibility adds to the entertainment and loyalty of their viewers. Over time, the credibility of broadcasters of media has altered the truth in the actual truth.
Discussion Questions: 1. If the “Now…this” phrase had not been created or carried on to present time, how would news casting shows be different? 2. Because news stories enhance the drama and emotions of an event, is the viewer able to actually make their own opinion on the event or does the broadcaster place an opinion in the viewers head without the viewer even realizing it? 3. Due to the alteration of knowledge and truth of current events made by the news media, does it affect the concept of knowledge and truth in schools? 4. If newscasters weren't so “beautiful”, would their credibility actually lessen or be lost in the public’s eyes? 5. How does television affect the other mediums of media such as newspapers and radio? 6. Do you believe that there will ever be a medium of news bigger then television? 7. Would you agree that “television is altering the meaning of ‘being informed’”? 8. Are all of the visual factors of televised news (scroll bar, videos, physical appearance of broadcasters, constant commercials, etc.) overwhelming to the viewer? 9. After watching a tragic news story such as a shooting or bank robbery, has it ever affected your life? If so, did it create a lasting change? 10. How would the news casting industry change if their motto was “quality” rather than “efficiency”? Is there a way that the industry can have both?
Chapter 7 “Now…this” H.Allen Smith- American humorist
Out of all the worrisome words the scariest is “Uh Oh”
ü Adds grammar a new part of speech, a conjunction that does not connect anything to anything does not the opposite; separates everything “Now…This”
Commonly used on radio and TV newscast to indicate that what one has just heard or seen has no relevance to what one is about to hear or see
The phrase is a means of knowledge the fact that the world as mapped by the speeded up electronic media has no order or meaning and is not to be taken seriously
T.V. did not invent Now…This world view it’s the offspring of the intercourse between telegraphy and photography
Television presentation of the “news of the day” we may see as how this “mode of discourse in its boldest and most embarrassing form
We are presented with fragmented new and news without context, with consequences, without value, therefore news is pure entertainment
Viewers do not believe the performer that lacks credibility
Credibility
Does not refer to the past record of the teller for making statements that have survived the rigors of reality- testing
Only refers to the impression of sincerity, authenticity, vulnerability to activeness
Musical theme
Music is used in theaters and films to create mood and provide a leitmotif for the entertainment
If no music viewers would expect something truly alarming possibly life altering
News shows
Average length of news story is 45 seconds
Viewers not provided with much opportunity to be distracted from the next story
Many newscasters do not appear to grasp the meaning of what they are saying
TV is designed as a serious form of public discourse
America
Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least well informed people in the western world
70 percent of citizens do not know who the secretary of state or the chief justice of the supreme court is
TV alters the meaning of being informed “disinformation”
ü Means misleading information creates illusion of knowing something ü News shows entertain but do not inform Presidents
Presidents “ misstatements” fall into category of contradictions
Contradiction is useless as a test of truth or merit, contradiction does not exist
US Today News Paper
Molded precisely on the format of TV
Sold on the street in receptacles that look like TVs
Stories are short, design heavily on pictures, charts, and other graphics
TVs Epistemology
Age of the TV is becoming the basic unit of news in print media
Language of newscast has become under the influence of TV increasingly decontextualized and discontinuous
NYC radio station entreats listeners with “ Give us 20 minutes and well give you the world”
In chapter 7 of Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman, Postman makes the argument that television is a new definition of truth. In Meet Joe Blog, Lev Grossman's argument is that blogs are starting to take control of the news world, becoming a place where knowledge of current events is being learned from blogs this resource refutes post and argument, because Postman believes that television is a form of truth when Lev Grossman, believes that blogs are a form of truth. Lev Grossman explains what a blog is, saying its "a website where you could post daily scribbling... Mostly critiquing and linking toothless articles online that may have sparked thinking."(paragraph 3). Which is basically saying blogs are opinions posted by individuals who know a lot about the topic. Due to blogs, people don't have a motivation to watch the news or read the newspaper because now they have blogs, where the face of people don't have an effect on what someone will trust. When watching the news, on television, matching a face to a voice, provides trust of the viewer; but having a more attractive appearance will provide more trust. Compared to blogs, faces aren't seen in blogs, next to the article, reading it to me, giving the reader a chance to decide if they can trust what they are reading. However, blogs also include the authors opinion about the topic leading the reader to think almost the same way,as the author. According to Grossman, blogs are not only a form of trust but also a new form of receiving news. Where postman thinks television is a form of news,at this time for postman, television is relatively new while currently blogs are new.
On the news, on the bottom of the screen, appears a ticker - a band of occurring text that speeds across the monitor. James Poniewozik describes the ticker as "a message in itself, a constant prod, an emblem of a media era of constant crisis made of overstimulation" (paragraph 3). In other words, a waste of time. He argues that even though it is an efficient way to get updated quickly, it is overrated. Time is too precious to spend watching the news constantly which concluded the purpose of the ticker but lazy people happen to populate the world. Although they are curious, they don't think about the real world issues at stake and therefore posses no care. According to Neil Postman, the whole idea of news was to provide the truth. News to him, is the best kind of television anyone could watch. Having attractive newscasters tricks the eye of society into thinking more appealing people are more credible than the not so appealing. Therefore, James Poniewozik's argument qualifies Neil Postman's. The news is extremely helpful but there are certain aspects that embellish the information to make it useless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCqYnytnKdk Different media alters various issues about our lives in various ways. Media can influence the opinion and views of the public by manipulating the content displayed to them. Television impacts people in different ways. The public prefer different media as their source of information, the choice of media and the way the issue of information security is presented in each media is very important in making decisions as well as shaping people's ideas and attitudes. Therefore that is the reason people tend to watch TV News, due to its credibility level. Although it is believed that TV news is a reliable source for information, at times they can be deceiving. By the implementation of emotions, news can have a different effect on the viewer. In particular this newscast adds dramatic music to their reports attracting the public’s attention. Also segments tend to be short and shallow, not much background behind them, switch off topics rather quickly, and divert the attention of the viewer by adding commercials alongside.
Period 5
Major Concepts and Vocabulary:
“Now…this” – A common phrase a newscaster uses to transition from one news story to another. In news casts today, this term doesn’t always move the attention from one relevant topic to another relevant topic; it can often transition from a serious story to a story made solely for entertainment (usually with no true content in it).
Outcue– Usually the last words a reporter says in a news story indicating the piece is ending. The News reporter typically uses the same outcue every time they sign off, inviting the audience to tune in the following night or to thank them for tuning in that night. (Example: “FOR UPDATE NEWS, I’M BILL SMITH.” “So long, until tomorrow.”, ”Thanks for watching. I’m Cindy Brown.”, “Good night and good luck.”)
Pulchritudinous: The physical comeliness of an individual. News casters are notoriously known for their beautiful appearance while on the job. Their hair is hair sprayed to perfection and their make-up is layered onto their spray tans without even a microscopic error. To the public, a more beautiful person is believed to be more trustworthy and accurate. Therefore, the pulchritudinous of a news broadcaster is a top priority.
Disinformation: Neil Postman defines the term as misleading information that creates knowledge that in turn leads you away from the actual information. This false information is deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. News casters use this disinformation to produce more of an entertainment allusion for the audience.
Credibility: Presently, news broadcasters use the allusion of being trustworthy or believable in order to unveil their version of the truth of the events happening around the world. Their credibility adds to the entertainment and loyalty of their viewers. Over time, the credibility of broadcasters of media has altered the truth in the actual truth.
Discussion Questions:
1. If the “Now…this” phrase had not been created or carried on to present time, how would news casting shows be different?
2. Because news stories enhance the drama and emotions of an event, is the viewer able to actually make their own opinion on the event or does the broadcaster place an opinion in the viewers head without the viewer even realizing it?
3. Due to the alteration of knowledge and truth of current events made by the news media, does it affect the concept of knowledge and truth in schools?
4. If newscasters weren't so “beautiful”, would their credibility actually lessen or be lost in the public’s eyes?
5. How does television affect the other mediums of media such as newspapers and radio?
6. Do you believe that there will ever be a medium of news bigger then television?
7. Would you agree that “television is altering the meaning of ‘being informed’”?
8. Are all of the visual factors of televised news (scroll bar, videos, physical appearance of broadcasters, constant commercials, etc.) overwhelming to the viewer?
9. After watching a tragic news story such as a shooting or bank robbery, has it ever affected your life? If so, did it create a lasting change?
10. How would the news casting industry change if their motto was “quality” rather than “efficiency”? Is there a way that the industry can have both?
Chapter 7 “Now…this”
H.Allen Smith- American humorist
- Out of all the worrisome words the scariest is “Uh Oh”
ü Adds grammar a new part of speech, a conjunction that does not connect anything to anything does not the opposite; separates everything“Now…This”
- Commonly used on radio and TV newscast to indicate that what one has just heard or seen has no relevance to what one is about to hear or see
- The phrase is a means of knowledge the fact that the world as mapped by the speeded up electronic media has no order or meaning and is not to be taken seriously
- T.V. did not invent Now…This world view it’s the offspring of the intercourse between telegraphy and photography
- Television presentation of the “news of the day” we may see as how this “mode of discourse in its boldest and most embarrassing form
- We are presented with fragmented new and news without context, with consequences, without value, therefore news is pure entertainment
- Viewers do not believe the performer that lacks credibility
Credibility- Does not refer to the past record of the teller for making statements that have survived the rigors of reality- testing
- Only refers to the impression of sincerity, authenticity, vulnerability to activeness
Musical theme- Music is used in theaters and films to create mood and provide a leitmotif for the entertainment
- If no music viewers would expect something truly alarming possibly life altering
News shows- Average length of news story is 45 seconds
- Viewers not provided with much opportunity to be distracted from the next story
- Many newscasters do not appear to grasp the meaning of what they are saying
- TV is designed as a serious form of public discourse
America- Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least well informed people in the western world
- 70 percent of citizens do not know who the secretary of state or the chief justice of the supreme court is
- TV alters the meaning of being informed “disinformation”
ü Means misleading information creates illusion of knowing somethingü News shows entertain but do not inform
Presidents
- Presidents “ misstatements” fall into category of contradictions
- Contradiction is useless as a test of truth or merit, contradiction does not exist
US Today News Paper- Molded precisely on the format of TV
- Sold on the street in receptacles that look like TVs
- Stories are short, design heavily on pictures, charts, and other graphics
TVs EpistemologyIn chapter 7 of Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman, Postman makes the argument that television is a new definition of truth. In Meet Joe Blog, Lev Grossman's argument is that blogs are starting to take control of the news world, becoming a place where knowledge of current events is being learned from blogs this resource refutes post and argument, because Postman believes that television is a form of truth when Lev Grossman, believes that blogs are a form of truth. Lev Grossman explains what a blog is, saying its "a website where you could post daily scribbling... Mostly critiquing and linking toothless articles online that may have sparked thinking."(paragraph 3). Which is basically saying blogs are opinions posted by individuals who know a lot about the topic. Due to blogs, people don't have a motivation to watch the news or read the newspaper because now they have blogs, where the face of people don't have an effect on what someone will trust. When watching the news, on television, matching a face to a voice, provides trust of the viewer; but having a more attractive appearance will provide more trust. Compared to blogs, faces aren't seen in blogs, next to the article, reading it to me, giving the reader a chance to decide if they can trust what they are reading. However, blogs also include the authors opinion about the topic leading the reader to think almost the same way,as the author. According to Grossman, blogs are not only a form of trust but also a new form of receiving news. Where postman thinks television is a form of news,at this time for postman, television is relatively new while currently blogs are new.
On the news, on the bottom of the screen, appears a ticker - a band of occurring text that speeds across the monitor. James Poniewozik describes the ticker as "a message in itself, a constant prod, an emblem of a media era of constant crisis made of overstimulation" (paragraph 3). In other words, a waste of time. He argues that even though it is an efficient way to get updated quickly, it is overrated. Time is too precious to spend watching the news constantly which concluded the purpose of the ticker but lazy people happen to populate the world. Although they are curious, they don't think about the real world issues at stake and therefore posses no care. According to Neil Postman, the whole idea of news was to provide the truth. News to him, is the best kind of television anyone could watch. Having attractive newscasters tricks the eye of society into thinking more appealing people are more credible than the not so appealing. Therefore, James Poniewozik's argument qualifies Neil Postman's. The news is extremely helpful but there are certain aspects that embellish the information to make it useless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCqYnytnKdk
Different media alters various issues about our lives in various ways. Media can influence the opinion and views of the public by manipulating the content displayed to them. Television impacts people in different ways. The public prefer different media as their source of information, the choice of media and the way the issue of information security is presented in each media is very important in making decisions as well as shaping people's ideas and attitudes. Therefore that is the reason people tend to watch TV News, due to its credibility level. Although it is believed that TV news is a reliable source for information, at times they can be deceiving. By the implementation of emotions, news can have a different effect on the viewer. In particular this newscast adds dramatic music to their reports attracting the public’s attention. Also segments tend to be short and shallow, not much background behind them, switch off topics rather quickly, and divert the attention of the viewer by adding commercials alongside.