LONG LIVE THE KING
But then again, it might be. I say that because, over here in England where I now live, very different things are being reported in the news as tributes, simply because someone in a position of power says that’s what they are. Even totally opposite acts. And I’ve decided to write about a couple of them here because I think they highlight the need to read between the lines when we pick up a newspaper or tune into TV and radio newscasts.
My favourite two stories were reported on the Friday TV news the day after the 96-year-old queen died two weeks ago. The first was the decision taken by the English Football Association to postpone all matches scheduled for the weekend in all its leagues in order to show respect for the late monarch.
Then, as soon as the sports anchor finished that story, he dived straight into the England Cricket Board’s decision to carry on with the national team’s test match against South Africa… as a sign of respect towards the queen and the royal family. And he flowed from one story to the next without batting an eye or acknowledging the blatant contradiction in values.
The next day, the news featured comments from administrators, fans, players and former stars from both sports, and they universally supported their own administration’s decision, and again there was no mention of any contradiction. The footballers said playing games was not appropriate while the nation was in mourning, while the cricketers said it was an honour to carry on playing to honour the memory of the queen.
They were all quite somber and said they were committed to doing the right thing… except, possibly, the one cricket player who mentioned he was glad the first public rendition of ‘God Save the King’ got to be played at the Lords Cricket Ground in London. The queen is dead. Long live the king. So much for mourning and honouring Queen Elizabeth. But at least the comment seemed to be honest, and I have to wonder how many football fans did much to honour the memory of the queen last weekend while they weren’t watching their favourite teams. I know I didn’t.
But this piece isn’t really about the passing of Queen Elizabeth or how she is honoured by the British public. I’m just talking about those things because, in this case, they help bring a more serious issue into focus. And that issue is how far should we trust what we read in newspapers and hear on the radio and TV? My opinion is, not very far, but since you are reading that opinion in a newspaper, I also think you should think about it, about the examples I’ve given and about any personal examples you may have before deciding if you agree.
And why are the late queen, King Charles and the rest of the royal family considered so newsworthy? I say it’s because sales and ratings indicate they sell papers and attract viewers… and because the news is presented as entertainment.
Again, just an opinion… but it’s one I think you should consider.