Wednesday, May 05, 2004

Gory Television: The last thing we need is another 24-hour news network. But Al Gore's proposal has the potential to do some good.

Young adults have not been courted by the political process. Instead, government has been focussing on expanding Medicare, providing prescription drug coverage, and other programs that primarily help old folks. The arguably most important segment of our population, the one that does the most work and on whom our future depends, is being practically ignored. And a news network that focuses on a young-adult audience could give the political clout this demographic needs.

However, I'm skeptical that WGOR TV will succeed. It's tough to attract young people, especially if the topics are boring. There has to be a coolness factor, and Gore doesn't seem cool -- even to old people.

Plus, it will be difficult for Gore's network to shake any perceived liberal leanings. And that can limit the effectiveness of a network. Despite some of the good reporting Fox News does, some people reject it because they view it as a conservative mouthpiece. Gore's network is already being branded liberal, and it hasn't even gone on the air yet.

But I wish Gore luck with his endeavor. This could be a chance to create a news network that's provocative and influential that can get a neglected segment of our population back into government and politics.