Bob McCannon's blog

Hollywood's new "media literacy" curriculum

Wed, 06 May 2009 16:11:21 +0000

There is a new media literacy curriculum. It is at:
http://www.oscars.org/education-outreach/teachersguide/medialiteracy/pdf...

This curriculum, produced by Hollywood's premier representative, the MPAA, is a joke. It is what John Stauber calls astroturf public relations. It is media literacy very, very lite.

Bob helps form new ACME chapter.

Sat, 02 May 2009 16:05:42 +0000

Hi ACMEites,

I recently led eight ACME events in the Denver/Golden/Boulder area. If you live in Colorado, this email is for you.

One of the main purposes of my trip was to start a Colorado chapter of the Action Coalition for Media Education (ACME), and almost a hundred Coloradans have signed up as recognizing the need for independent media education in CO.

ACME Discuss: On the Importance of Critiques

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:36:16 +0000

On Nov 12, 2008, at 10:15 AM, Valerie Baul wrote:
Wow...that was an amazing article, although very pessimistic about the future. I understand the problem, now what's the solution? Too many of our critiques these days simply line out the problem after problem after problem, but I see very few that actually offer viable and helpful solutions...I want solutions...not more focus on the problems...

On Nov 13, 2008, at 10:32 AM, Bob McCannon wrote:

How Corrupt is your local newspaper?

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:46:32 +0000

Good morning Everyone,

Today, my paper, the Albuquerque Journal, put the conviction of corrupt Republican Senator Ted Stevens on the last page of the front section. Where did your paper put the story? Last night CBS and NBC featured the story.

This is important. This kind of corruption is not only history making, but our media need to feature public governmental corruption in order to keep public informed and the system honest.

Hedge Fund Info Censored?

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:13:21 +0000

In April I warned about the economic danger of hedge funds and associated financial instruments, most importantly called derivatives and credit-default swaps(CDS). Sadly, the warning was prophetic, and our economy is falling apart, and not because of problem mortgages. Bad mortgages we could have handled; hedge funds we are struggling with.

Interestingly enough, in our current financial catastrophe the mainstream news (MSN) still refuses to discuss the role of hedge funds, derivatives and CDS. More importantly, the Presidential candidates are not talking about them either.

You think Terrorists are the Enemy? Try Bankers! Facts Everyone Must Learn!

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:53:56 +0000

These are unusual times, and the mainstream media are still not reporting much about the financial crisis, including that inflation is a tax and this financial crisis was predicted by the previous one in the '80's.

Some facts about the financial crisis.

All of the following is true, not exaggerated and non-partisan. Check it for yourself.

MCCANNON'S UNTOLD STORIES: GAMBLING DOMINATES MEDIA

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:28:25 +0000

MCCANNON'S UNTOLD STORIES: GAMBLING DOMINATES OUR MEDIA
By Bob McCannon, ACME Co-President

Many thanks for the response to the last "Untold Story." This is the 3rd.

GAMBLING . . . Excuse me, I should use today's politically correct term, promoted by industry executives, lobbyists and legislators. "GAMING" is one of the largest industries in the U.S. It accounts for over $50 million in contributions to politicians.

Energy coverage: national and local

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:49:30 +0000

For a week, I have been monitoring CBS and NBC's national news' coverage of the energy crisis. Each night they give us a "new record" in gas and oil prices, and "discuss" the controversy. Their debate is almost always framed as a choice between "drilling" and "conservation."

The networks go into "depth" (as much depth as sixty second TV news stories can) about the candidates positions on whether or not to drill in ANWR or offshore, or conserve. often mentioned is more "clean" coal (if such a thing exists) or more nuclear plants.

On using "assassination" in a Presidential campaign

Sat, 24 May 2008 18:48:04 +0000

I can still remember the excruciating personal pain I felt when the news of Bobby Kennedy's assassination came over the radio of my VW bug . . . when that tinny little speaker extinguished another part of my idealism.

I am appalled at Hillary's continued use of assassination (four different speeches) as an explanation for why she is staying in the race. Certainly, I don't think she wishes that fate upon Barack, but the repeated use of the event and the word assassination is too _______ (fill in the blank) for me.

Bashing the Violent Media--OK?

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:57:26 +0000

On Apr 29, 2008, at 10:20 AM, David Kleeman wrote:
DK: Am I then to conclude you believe that every act of aggression or violence is directly caused by violent media exposure?

--Not any more than I think a girl with an eating disorder has been affected by the culture, or that a kid who smokes has been affected by movies or a child that is overweight has been affected by advertising. I think that due to the exposure, each act becomes more likely, even if just a tiny bit more likely.