In message <
[email protected]>
Tim Hobbs <
[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >> The shows will quote prices in dollars, and mention "trunks" and "hoods".
> >> They initially told the US'ers to bugger off and not be so silly, but a
> >> large cheque was waved.. What you don't get to see is the wonderful
> >> out-takes where Clarkson lays into the Americans for.. well, everything! 
> >>
> >
> >....... which just goes to show how utterly pointless the
> >show is! They either tell it as they see it or shut up, and
> >from what you describe above I'm even more convinced that it
> >should be the latter.
> >
> >> K
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Richard
>
> Why? If all they are doing is translating it into another language
> and currency what is the problem?
>
> Of course, the tests will be irrelevant to US roads and US motoring
> issues. That's up to the US audience to decide though, and doesn't
> detract from the value of a UK opinion.
I was meaning the "if there's anough money in it we'll do/say
anything" bit. Call me a cynic, but any sort of product related
journalism in any field these days is very much geared towards
the writers chance of getting in on the next review (i.e.play with
new toys) rather than giving an objective assesment - oh, and
looking cool is rather more important than facts most of the time.
There are many examples of journalists giving their real opinion
in "off camera" moments, but as far as Top Gear goes I watched
a bit about driving a diesel Jag round a German (possibly Austrian)
circuit which just about sums it up. A female driver, seemingly
well respected by other drivers there, stated that Clarkson "could
not drive - he thinks he can but he can't". Clarkson then proceeded
to send a 15 minute or so slot proving her right!
The only bloke on the show who talked sense was the short guy (bike
specialist I seem to remember) who was quite happy to point out
that Lada's may well have has their weak points, but they also
had their good points for those of us who live in the real world.
That was proper journalism, sneering at people because they don't
want the latest flashy toy with all the gizmos isn't. Unfortuately,
as demonstrated by 5th Gear, being objective isn't good telly.....
All my own opinion, of course.
Richard
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