Recently I watched the FX’s ‘The People v. O.J Simpson’, a set of documentary features detailing ‘the trial of the century’. It was whilst watching this series that the lead defense attorney grabbed my full attention. Robert Shapiro, speaking on the most high profile criminal case in history states, “I’m not worried about the truth, I’m worried about perception”. In a case built on conspiracy and aversion, truth became irrelevant in the eyes of those dictating history. Perception of the events, the prosecution and the defense as subjects of the media took center stage with race and conspiracy more prominent influences than fact in the jury’s verdict.
Hearing Shapiro’s message drew me toward the realization that both modern politics and the journalists moderating the establishment echo his doctrine. Contemporary journalism has developed into an era of twenty-four hour news cycles and social media. In the quest to constantly broadcast ‘fresh’ and interesting stories in an age of vines, snapchat and six second attentions, controversy has become King. The difference between Sky Sports and Sky News has disintegrated into a branding discrepancy as stories are covered as spectacle, with a parade of so-called experts dragged on screen to dish out half-baked opinions. Paul Merson and Piers Morgan have become one and …show more content…
Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President has coined the term ‘alternative facts’, effectively rebranding the lie or more precisely, propaganda. Now, the way a message is delivered is just as significant as the message itself. Shapiro’s mantra has been taken up by public office and media alike, now more important than ever it is crucial that journalists making up our media are vigilant, with institutions and outlets held to their word, so that truth and accountability are not lost in age in which perception and deception are at the forefront of media, news and
Hearing Shapiro’s message drew me toward the realization that both modern politics and the journalists moderating the establishment echo his doctrine. Contemporary journalism has developed into an era of twenty-four hour news cycles and social media. In the quest to constantly broadcast ‘fresh’ and interesting stories in an age of vines, snapchat and six second attentions, controversy has become King. The difference between Sky Sports and Sky News has disintegrated into a branding discrepancy as stories are covered as spectacle, with a parade of so-called experts dragged on screen to dish out half-baked opinions. Paul Merson and Piers Morgan have become one and …show more content…
Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President has coined the term ‘alternative facts’, effectively rebranding the lie or more precisely, propaganda. Now, the way a message is delivered is just as significant as the message itself. Shapiro’s mantra has been taken up by public office and media alike, now more important than ever it is crucial that journalists making up our media are vigilant, with institutions and outlets held to their word, so that truth and accountability are not lost in age in which perception and deception are at the forefront of media, news and