‘One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession.’ (Edward R. Murrow 1908-1965)
Athens is a great place to have coffee, and when I say coffee, I mean sitting around, talking, having intensive discussions about important matters, getting to know some new acquaintance, or just enjoying the beautiful sea view, or observing the guests coming and going.
This is what I did yesterday and I thought to myself that everybody seemed so relaxed, calm and even happy. It seemed strange but also very positive with all the bad news about Greece on TV, on the radio, in Greece and worldwide.
Then it occurred to me that all these people must have stopped watching the daily news, just as I have done, months ago!
Why do journalists presenting the news have to put on that sad and worried face, the face that makes you upset and disturbed even before they start talking?
Then, all they say is the bad things going on in the country, the corruption, the pain, the dead-end it has come to…so you simply stop hoping, trying or feeling happy, which leads to a worse psychology and even less hope for the future.
If you don’t listen to the reporters on TV anymore you start feeling better right away! You don’t get manipulated by it, you rely on your own power, will and strength!
They cannot influence your creativity, your inspiration and your positivism.
I don’t mean that we should shut our eyes to what is going on around us, or to be ignorant, not at all.
Just to filter the information, even if it is just reading headlines on the internet, as a given fact, without all the discussions and negative comments that bring us to a point of no return.
Like Murrow said:
‘This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and even it can inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it’s nothing but wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful. ‘(Edward R. Murrow 1908-1965)
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