Summary: The weekly news magazine 20/20 is grooming Martin Bashir to be the next Barbara Walters. Disney-owned ABC has lured Bashir from the BBC with a $1 million salary and an agenda to target Michael Jackson. Bashir's interview with Corey Feldman about his upcoming testimony in the Jackson trial raises questions about his journalistic integrity and tactics. This article delves into the implications of Bashir's actions and the broader impact on modern news journalism.
ABC's weekly news magazine, 20/20, appears to be positioning Martin Bashir as the next Barbara Walters. Disney-owned ABC has reportedly enticed Bashir away from the BBC with a lucrative $1 million salary and a specific agenda: to investigate Michael Jackson. This move has raised eyebrows and questions about the network's motives and Bashir's journalistic ethics.
Bashir's first major assignment at ABC involved interviewing Corey Feldman about his upcoming testimony in the Michael Jackson trial. Initially, this seemed like a potential threat to Jackson's defense. However, the interview's outcome may have provided Jackson's legal team with more ammunition than they anticipated. Bashir's interviewing style often leaves his subjects—and himself—looking less than credible.
ABC executives are likely focused on the ratings boost that Bashir's sensational headlines could bring. However, allegations of Bashir's questionable tactics and misconduct could eventually erode public trust. When that happens, ABC will have to face the consequences of their decision.
A quick Google search reveals some troubling aspects of Bashir's career. After his breakthrough interview with Michael Jackson, his then-employers made less-than-supportive remarks. More concerning is an incident where Bashir allegedly lied to the father of a missing 16-year-old chess master, claiming he had information about her whereabouts to secure an interview. This raises serious questions about his journalistic integrity.
Corey Feldman's allegations against Michael Jackson seem to be an attempt to settle old scores. Feldman, who once idolized Jackson, felt betrayed when Jackson distanced himself. Here are some of the key points from Feldman's story:
Bashir himself has stated that Feldman has nothing to gain by speaking out now. This kind of publicity could potentially harm Feldman's new album and upcoming Broadway show. However, this defense does little to mitigate the ethical concerns surrounding Bashir's methods.
Martin Bashir is no Barbara Walters, but he represents a troubling trend in modern news journalism. Credibility has been replaced by shock value, and ratings now drive the market. News shows are no longer the exception to this rule.
The shift towards sensationalism in journalism is not just about individual reporters like Bashir. It's a systemic issue that affects the entire industry. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, only 36% of Americans have a "great deal" or "fair amount" of trust in the mass media, a significant decline from previous decades source.
Martin Bashir's role at 20/20 and his controversial methods highlight a broader issue within modern journalism. As news organizations prioritize ratings over credibility, the public's trust continues to erode. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, affecting not just individual careers but the integrity of journalism as a whole.
For more insights into the state of modern journalism, you can visit Pew Research Center.
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