Tim Robbins puts National Association of Broadcasters on US radar

Lots of commentary is beginning to appear about Tim Robbins’ speech in Nevada to the National Association of Broadcasters, an organization I never even thought about until I read news reports yesterday. Progressives are heralding Robbins’ criticism of media as I write this column—Go get ‘em, Tim, Way to go! I’m not going to go after Robbins for his politics; right wing pundits will do that soon enough. His politics don’t concern me any more than my neighbors’ politics do. The great thing about the US is that we can all raise hell about what we don't like and come away with our heads intact.

But underlying Robbins’ criticism is a very worrisome suggestion—that we somehow control media to turn towards what the actor called “a new broadcasting aesthetic.” And to of course re-embrace the Fairness Doctrine. That way, if Al Franken was on a podium, making us laugh or cry depending on our politics, Ann Coulter would be right up there doing the same. Tit for tat, so to speak.  Left vs. right. Funny thing is we have that right now without benefit of government intervention.

Robbins also talked about “a more responsible and adult arena.” He considers media “guardians of the human spirit.” His idealism and mandate to the broadcasting industry manifested with remarks like, “Only with your courage and your vision can we begin to imagine a world of broadcasting where the general consensus of those with real power say, Enough is enough.” The Huffington Post has the text of the speech.

After I read it I realized I’d seen the sort of media Robbins is describing. It’s called IRNA, and it’s the official government agency that dictates and controls Iranian news. It doesn’t bother me that Robbins is leveling criticism. I often criticize the very media that help me make a living. I love to criticize politicians from both parties. For me, media politics is entertainment. It’s my vote that counts when the chickens come home to roost.

We don’t have a perfect media, but last time I looked, it was free. The Internet enables me to write anything I want to and it enables Robbins to do the same. Media is available to Americans in all persuasions and formats. Turn on the tube, read a newspaper, read a magazine, listen to radio, or surf the Web. Create the content yourself if you feel froggy. Nobody’s going to arrest you or stop you. Government doesn't control the media despite what you've been told. I know because I've spent my life working in it. Last time I looked that was about as perfect as any media could get. Tim Robbins' speech to the NAB should give us all concern, both progressives and right-wingers among us. Sadly, I don't think it will.

[I found this quirky video of Robbins uncensored at YouTube.]