Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2005 > August > 24 > Entry
Bob Costas refuses CNN show
Three cheers for Bob Costas, who politely declined to host an hour on CNN devoted to the case of Natalee Holloway, missing in Aruba since May 30.
Costas, you may recall, recently signed on as substitute host of “Larry King Live.” He’s an NBC employee and a free-lancer for CNN, not a full-time staffer.
“I didn’t think the subject matter of Thursday’s show was the kind of broadcast I should be doing,” Costas said in a statement.
Last week, the producers of King’s show asked Costas to chat up a bunch of people involved with the case, from Holloway’s mom to investigators on the island. There was nothing new to report, and the story smelled like a tabloid piece intended to hype the network’s ratings.
Costas said no thanks, which apparently he has the right to do as a sub host. I say apparently because CNN didn’t terminate its agreement with him; nor did they criticize his decision. Chris Pixley hosted the show that aired last Thursday.
So, three cheers for Costas.
Many observers have long felt that the disappearance or murder of pretty white women is routinely overblown by the news media, especially the hungry-for-headlines 24-hour news networks.
Just because such stories generate good ratings does not mean they are worthy of perpetual coverage. Costas has exercised excellent journalistic judgment on this score. CNN should feel chastised — and proud of its new hire.
‘Real World: Austin’ drones on …
Are you growing weary of “Real World: Austin”? I sure am.
Last night’s episode had Danny coming home from burying his mother and promptly treating heartbroken Melinda like dirt. The reason for this was unclear.
Melinda promptly got drunk and threw up, which seems to be everyone’s response to everything on “Real World.”
Wes is still feuding with Johanna. Both are mean drunks and, really, deserve each other. They did not throw up, but probably should have. So far, no romantic connection between those two. It’s hard to imagine it would be fun if they had one.
UT film professor Paul Stekler has been less than a fleeting presence, which is probably a good thing for his reputation as a serious filmmaker. He’s supposed to be teaching the “kids” to be documentary filmmakers. This can’t be one of his proudest accomplishments.
If my calendar is right, we’re stuck with this group until November, but I may take a hike long before then — unless things pick up.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: News coverage
Comments
By mike m
August 29, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this
good job in this case but how do you and fat boy from basketball get to bash lance armstrong fatboy could walk 1 step in lances shoes he to fat and bob your mouth is to fat
By lpparsons
August 25, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this
I have always respected Bob Costas tremendously. This just moves him up another rung on the ladder. Way to go!!!