Sensational TV

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This book cuts right to the chase and asks readers thought-provoking, challenging questions about the content and purpose behind sensational television. Day begins with the O.J. Simpson trial and goes on to present chapters on "The Dumbing of America"; newsmagazines and tabloids; talk shows; sex, violence, and politics; and ethics in journalism. The last chapter considers the future of TV. The author brings up familiar examples, such as Geraldo Rivera's infamous on-air fistfight, as well as the important but more obscure commentary of media researchers and academics such as Vicki Abt. The text is well researched and up-to-date and cites many of the great names in broadcast journalism. It also includes examples of restraint and good taste to help build an understanding of the work that goes into responsible journalism. Black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. This clearly and interestingly written title is definitely worth purchasing for its objective content; invigorating style; and broad, informative scope.-Joan Soulliere, Wenham Public Library, MA

Ilene Cooper

Day sticks close to the title of the book, and her examination of the topic is a service to readers. The book's framework includes a history of tabloid journalism, and it "sets the current crop of print offerings and TV" shows in historical context; it then goes on to describe the evolution of sensationalism in journalism, using everyday examples that anyone who has stood in a grocery line or turned on a television will recognize. Along the way, Day asks pointed questions of her audience: should journalists have a more active role in limiting sensationalism? People seem to like the excitement of conflict, but is it healthy? Are we losing the ability to tell what is real and what is not? Clearly, Day has done her homework, and although one might quibble with a couple of her assumptions (Rolanda Watt's talk show isn't better than the others of its ilk), there is no denying that this entry in the Issues in Focus series is a clearheaded, thought-provoking discussion of a very important topic. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs.

Kirkus Reviews

Day (Animal Experimentation, 1994, not reviewed, etc.) offers readers a sobering investigation into talk shows, tabloid news programs, and reality-based adventure shows and comes up with a well-meaning but superficial primer in the Issues in Focus series.

The author demonstrates the emotional wallop talk shows pack by recounting the horrifying and freakish stories that these programs frequently highlight in order to guarantee high ratings and therefore garner advertising revenues. She points out that no one—from the commercial sponsors, to the producers, to the hosts—will assume moral responsibility for the content of the broadcasts. To her credit, Day makes the case against trash TV with a stream of facts and figures, revealing the economics of the shows (e.g., they keep the money even if one talk show guest murders another). Unfortunately, she takes the same high moral tone that she accuses the shows of having; while her defense of the Rolanda show seems to be a matter of personal taste, her belief that viewers become more critical thinkers by watching investigative news shows comes off as wishful thinking.