Celebrity Death Thread

[FVD]

When Jennings died of cancer, people knew it was coming. With Russert's death being so sudden, people are more shocked to hear the news, which, in my opinion, is why the coverage was more over the top for Russert than it was for Jennings.

[The Cat]

Absolutely correct. Jennings death was expected. His body was brought home to Canada for internment with no fanfare whatsoever. Nor should there have been.

I'll bet we even get coverage of Russert's funeral. He's a journalist for God's sake! Move On.

[Malto Marko]

I am ignorant to Russerts work. I see from the reaction that he was followed and adored by many. The only reason I am ignorant to his work is that his program comes at a time that the rest of the family has control of the clicker and my viewing choices are nill. Yes, I have TiVo but, I rarely use it to follow politics.

With that said, while his passing was sudden and unexpected, there is a value to air time. Advertisers pay for commercial airing according to the ratings that a particular slot receives. When it comes to this type of reporting, Advertisers are the last consideration, it is the programmers and editors that make the decision. They will always get away with a mistake once in a while but, for the most part, they must present programming that will attract viewers.

Network TV has lost big time to Cable and Dish that allow viewers to watch what they please instead of what is being force down their throats. In fact, some of the most profitable Cable/Dish channels are those that provide unending re-runs of shows that people enjoy. Ted Turner built an empire out of providing network canceled but public desired shows.

With that said (don't you just hate when I keep saying that?). At the moment, the networks think that losing a comrade is more important to your viewing than anything else. I understand why he was held in high esteem. He was not, however, a President, former President, or other individual that had a direct impact on Public policy. Only someone who was responsible for Public opinion.

Is it wrong that those are responsible for shaping Public opinion are embraced by the media similar to those who shape Public policy?

Ted Kennedy's recent medical difficulties got way more coverage than I thought they should have given it also. The beauty here is if you do not like what the networks are covering, there is a channel that has re-runs of Green Acres to watch.

[Russ Bolinger]

When Jennings died of cancer, people knew it was coming. With Russert's death being so sudden, people are more shocked to hear the news, which, in my opinion, is why the coverage was more over the top for Russert than it was for Jennings.

That's true Frank, there was more immediate coverage because of the suddenness and surprise, but in my opinion, based on Russert's background in politics and the media, and his standing and respect he still would have gotten coverage....probably similar to what Jennings had.

[The Cat]

Just noticed the avatar Russ..Fitting, considering the topic.

[foxhopper]

Russert was one of the only political mediators/reporters/interviewer that I could stand. A good honest guy imo, and it will be extremely tough for me to watch political coverage without him.

[LightninBoy]

Tim Russert was first a good man, a caring husband and father, a respected reporter, and a fabulous interviewer. And, he would be the first to say, "Please...give me a break!"

The media coverage of his death was more shocking than his death. Interrupting live programming; Preparing a special one hour-same day tribute, Falling over themselves to say how close he was to everyone... is more than enough. I can't get over how so many journalists get so caught up in their own self worth and importance. And the world stops. There no longer is flooding and suffering in Iowa, nobody has lost a home in California wild fires, Ireland didn't throw the European Union into chaos..(oh wait these things are occuring but we can only allot two minutes of airtime to them "cause Tim died."
Tim Russert, "Thanks for doing your job well."

Well said, Bill.

RIP Mr. Russert.

[Newbomb Turk]

George Carlin died.........

a funny cynic who pointed out all the flaws in life and man.

[Sharkbait]

Bummer, he was funny in a cynical sort of way.

[Drew]

I grew up on George Carlin. All I can say is:

Sh*t, p*ss, c*nt, f*ck, c*cksucker, motherf*cker, tits!

Tits shouln't even be on the list.

RIP Mr. Carlin

[-Deborah-]

Sorry to learn of this. Loved the way his mind worked. RIP

[jaadam4]

Wow that sucks. He was a very entertaining man from his standup to head of the class (lol, man that was a long time ago).

RIP George

[SeattleLionsFan]

Head of the Class? Are you thinking of howard hessman?

RIP George. Another shocking death...

[Washington Lions Fan]

I wasn't a big fan of Russert...but I respected his journalistic integrity.

His views and mine didn't mesh...but he did cause me to think of a few issues differently...

[DanO]

"I grew up on George Carlin. All I can say is:

Sh*t, p*ss, c*nt, f*ck, c*cksucker, motherf*cker, tits!

Tits shouln't even be on the list.

RIP Mr. Carlin--------------------------I remember it as "Sh*t, p*ss, f*ck, c*nt c*cksucker, motherf*cker, and tits!

...................And tits don't even belong on the list.
George was one of my first exposures to raunchy humor and he was funny as hell. I use to love listening to him. My mom would have had a heart attack if she knew I was listening to that "filth".

RIP Mr. Carlin.

GO LIONS "08" !!!!!!!!