Big media and Michael Jackson

Since becoming a full-time stay at home mom about a month ago, I've tried to write a blog post once a day. I find that writing helps me to keep sane and in touch with the outside world. Some days I'm successful and other days not so much. Today I thought about writing how darling daughter let us (and I say us because I get up when she does as she is my little alarm clock) sleep in until 8:45 a.m. This is the first time she'd slept in that long. I'm not complaining as I do enjoy sleep.

I was thinking about posting another baby food post. More and more, I am relying on commercial baby food these days. Last week I made carrots which was a big disaster as darling daughter wailed, and I mean WAILED, when I turned on the blender. Argh, not only did I have to comfort my hysterical daughter, but clean up the huge mess in my kitchen. Have I ever mentioned that I hate making baby food?

I was also thinking about writing about how much my life has changed in the last year since darling daughter's arrival. This time last year I was hunkering down, getting ready the big day. And I do mean hunkering as I would turn on our house alarm after dear husband left for the day and I wouldn't leave the house unless I had a doctor's appointment. Yep, it was a bit crazy, but sometimes you can get crazy when you are pregnant.

But since today is Michael Jackson's memorial in Los Angeles, I think my post should address the 24 hour news channels feeding frenzy in relation to the King of Pop's death. I'll say this: I was never a huge Michael Jackson fan, however, I did enjoy listening to his music. But since news of his death broke almost two weeks ago, it is hard not to be bombarded with excessive stories relating to Jackson's death and life.

In my humble opinion, I think the 24 hour news channels have lost credibility with the public as they have gone into overdrive covering his death. As soldiers die in Afghanistan, the stock markets fall, people riot in the streets in China and Iranians protest, legitimate journalists are interviewing people who may have had vague connections with Jackson, asking their reaction to the King of Pop's death. In some instances, the only coverage actual news gets is a brief mention on the moving ticker at the bottom of the television screen. Just a few moments ago, CBC reporters were discussing if Jackson's body was actually in the casket at his memorial at the Staples Centre. Citing celebrity gossip website, TMZ.com, one of the reporters told viewers that the website was reporting his body is in the casket. Good lord, has it come down to this that we are discussing if his body is in the casket? Does it even matter? The poor man is dead. Can't we let him rest in peace? Apparently, not. I'm not disputing that Michael Jackson's death is news, but the way it has been covered has been overblown to say the least.

Once the hoopla dies down and the 24 hour news channel return to their regular programming of covering actual news events, we can all sigh a breath of relief until the next big overblown news story comes along. When I was a news reporter, I always thought the news media got a bum rap the way they cover news. However, I can see now that criticism is valid in some instances.

The point is this: we need Canadian content

Right at this present moment, I am listening to the finale of The Point on CBC Radio One. The Point, an hour long show hosted by Aamer Haleem, that invited Canadians to listen and join into the conversations and debates on the topics of the day. It was my kind of show. I always enjoy panelists and pundits debating subjects, even if the topics can be considered a bit trivial. The show is a victim of recent CBC cuts announced to make up for its $171 million shortfall.

Another downer is Ontario Today. It has been reduced from two hours to one. I really enjoy listening to this show as it is not only informative, but entertaining as you learn about current events not only happening in your own backyard, but in different areas of the province. Even though I hate gardening, I faithfully listening the show's regular garden segment. (Did you know only primates are allergic to poison ivy? Apparently cows like the stuff and birds like eating the berries). I guess I should be thankful the show wasn't cancelled altogether.

One of my Sunday traditions after watching Coronation Street was tuning into CBC Sunday. It has been cancelled. No more witticisms made by Evan Solomon and Carole MacNeil. *Sigh*

So my point is, CBC has done it once again: screwed me over, pardon my language. I should really know better from previous experience. I used to watch Riverdale, a soap opera that ran after Coronation Street, and it was cancelled. Da Vinci's City Hall, which was a fantastic show, was cancelled after one season. This is Wonderland also got the boot. Yep, I've learned not to get too attached to CBC shows because eventually they will be shown the door.

Despite my grumblings, I have always given the CBC a second chance. Lately, CBC Radio One has been playing constantly in my house as it helps me to retain my sanity. Listening to people talk about the topics of the day makes me feel connected to the outside world. It is sad as a nation that we are losing this important programming. Although the CBC has been criticized by some suggesting the public broadcaster is no longer needed, I disagree. Canadian content is important. You aren't going to find stories important to Canadians on CNN or Fox News. Yes, we have private Canadian broadcasters, but they are fighting for their corporate lives. Here in Ottawa, A-Channel eliminated its 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscast, resulting in less choice for viewers when turning into local news programming. And it looks like Canwest Global is teetering on the brink of bankrupcy. It is hard times in the media industry. As the Cinderella song goes, Don't know what you got (till it's gone). Hopefully no more national, provincial or local programming will be shown the door.