The Biggest Failures in Modern Broadcasting: From Missed Opportunities to Propaganda

Modern broadcasting has been marred by several significant failures. From missing the commercial shift to streaming to the strategic missteps of large networks and the blatant inclusion of propaganda, this article explores some of the most notable misfires in the industry.

The Big Miss: The Future of Broadcasting

The biggest failure in modern broadcasting can be summed up as the network and Hollywood studios' failure to recognize the rise of streaming video as the future for television and movies. This failure can be seen in their desperate attempts to secure positions in the streaming market today.

Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, exemplifies this missed opportunity. Iger initiated the creation of what would become the Disney Channel, despite widespread criticism and warnings about the waste of money. It is now the most significant part of Disney's business, second only to merchandise.

Similarly, Reed Hastings of Netflix foresaw the future of his company as providing streaming video through the internet, despite its initial business model of mailing DVDs. This foresight has made Netflix one of the leading players in the streaming market.

The Outside the Box Failures

Not all failures in broadcasting are tied to technological and strategic insights. Some are cultural and political in nature. For example, the Dumont Television Network, one of the first networks to broadcast in the 1940s, lasted only about 14 years before going out of business.

The Rush Limbelch burp AM radio talk show, while popular, is considered a complete failure in broadcasting. Despite its listenership, the show is often criticized for promoting misinformation and biased content.

The Commercial Shackles

Another key failure in modern broadcasting lies in the reliance on advertising or maintaining profitability to stay in business. This often forces broadcasters to pursue large audience numbers and satisfy sponsors, rather than focusing on quality and impartiality.

Especially relevant in today's age, this issue is amplified by the dominance of social media platforms, which are similarly driven by advertising revenue. This can lead to a compromise in content quality and editorial independence.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a notable exception, as it has managed to operate without these pressures by relying on government funding. This allows the BBC to focus on quality and impartiality, as demonstrated by its pledge to broadcast programs that are "in the public interest."

The Evolution of Media Ownership

A significant failure in the broadcasting landscape is the effective elimination of ownership diversity rules. This has led to the growth of a few large corporations controlling most outlets, reducing the diversity of voices and perspectives in media.

The Inclusion of Propaganda

A final major failure in modern broadcasting is the rampant inclusion of propaganda. This is evident across various platforms, with the Western bias being the most prominent.

Alternative media and foreign newscasts provide a refreshing perspective in a landscape dominated by Western bias. For instance, these sources can offer a viewpoint that is not influenced by Western-led propaganda, providing a vital contrast to mainstream narratives.

Conclusion

The industry has faced numerous significant challenges and failures. From missing the shift to streaming video to the consolidation of media ownership and the inclusion of propaganda, these issues have significantly impacted the quality and diversity of media content.

Consumers and media professionals alike must be aware of these failures and advocate for more transparent, diverse, and unbiased sources of information to ensure a healthier and more balanced media landscape.