Why Paris Hilton Is Front Page News

By Ian MacKenzie On June 7, 2007 · 8 Comments

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Some people may believe my occasional forays into the topic of news and media is diverging from our mandate of brave new travel. But when you think about it, the issues actually quite related.

Our view of the world and other cultures is largely coloured by the lens of big newspapers and television. In the past, diversity of opinion is what kept the multitude of lenses from swinging too far from reality. You could pick a few sources, and find your own truth in the middle.

These days the tentacles of big media have largely enveloped these once independent sources. And they’ve been spewing toxic sludge instead of thoughtful reporting ever since.

Case in point: the two largest newspapers in Vancouver this week carried front page stories about Paris Hilton’s jail sentence (and I’m sure the coverage was even more thorough in the US).

How to combat this noxious pollution? Support alternative news sources. Stop reading big media. And turn off your TV.

About The Author

Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and former editor of Brave New Traveler. He is a now a contributing editor to Matador, and the network's architect. Ian is also a documentary filmmaker, with his first feature (One Week Job) released in 2010.

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http://www.ourmaningranada.com ourman

When I lived in Vietnam we had state TV. Occasionally expats and foreigners would complain about the lack of media freedoms.

Fair point except…

Increasingly the world’s media seems to be run by Rupert Murdoch. A man who makes deals to support governments in return for increased press freedom.

Also a man whose many hundreds of newspapers world wide supported the Iraq war from the outset. Every last single one of them.

You’re right – avoid major media and stick with who you trust on the internet.
http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/ John Wesley

I couldn’t agree more. At least there’s still those undeveloped corners of the internet.
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com ian mackenzie

ourman – that’s an interesting point about media freedom in other countries. perhaps a good question to ask is: what’s better? media control or media sludge? it’s possible the latter is a version of the former, only glittered up with a fancy toy dog.

john – that’s the beauty of the net. there’s always room for more corners ;-D
http://www.jacquelinezenn.wordpress.com Jacqueline

Freedom of the press is definitely better than the alternative, although I do sometimes wonder what they choose to cover. What does it say about people in general that Paris Hilton’s jail time is worthy of front page coverage?

At least we have the option to click away or change the channel, and thanks to the web, we can choose our sources of information.
Pingback: Vagabondish | This Week in Offbeat Travel - June 9, 2007
http://loco2travel.blogspot.com Jamie

Good article, good point, and yes the media is important to travel. On a slightly unrelated note, look at how far it’s gone here in the UK:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,2218528,00.html
http://www.adelineandhazel.com Wallace Roane

I’ve been watching Paris Hilton’s BFF. Where do they get these folks? They’re from another world!

Why Paris Hilton Is Front Page News

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