excellent article. and i don't think it's simply an issue of good TV versus bad TV, though bad tv is truly appalling. it's the fundamental passivity that TV encourages which is the danger.

Chris,
I too watch those shows but not the tabloid ones their bias is too much dubious rabble rousing, insufficient facts too sensationally entertainmentised (just made up the word)

I guess my concern with the media is that it isn't passive hence reporters have virtually ceased to exist, we now have journalists, columnists, commentators ad nausium. We don't get objectivity anymore we get balance (sic). Two opposing rants neither of which are particularly informative.

I agree the likes of you and I research an issue but the average punter doesn't. Conditioned to accept quasi experts columnists, talk back radio showmen like Jones' opinions are both sound and thought through.

To me the differences between bias/prejudice are objectivity and all facts. Opinions should be based on facts, objectivity not B&P and certainly not as in the case of big media journalism.

I was not impugning you in anyway just surprised. I would have phrased it for me, as the serious shows seed the search of facts. Perhaps I over interpreted....Sorry.
I'll now stand in the naughty corner. ;-)