In probably the single worst word choice possible, in a Washington Post "Live Online: Media Backtalk" chat, Post media critic Howard Kurtz writes that cable news has "lavished" attention on missing white girls:
Philadelphia, Pa.: I appreciate the fact that you have pointed out that the cable networks focus on only white attractive missing women. But do you give the media credit for focusing on Latoya Figueroa, who is African-American? I have noticed that the cable networks, especially Fox News, have done entire segments on her. Could this start a trend?
Howard Kurtz: I wouldn't hold my breath. When Figueroa first disappeared, she got no national coverage. But a Philadelphia blogger e-mailed Nancy Grace's show and asked why this pregnant minority woman wasn't getting the usual cable treatment. That has led to some cable coverage, but, let's face it, still a fraction of what is lavished on the Natalee Holloway case every day. [END]
"Lavished"? We're not talking about convertibles, horses, and diamond earrings here. Coverage of someone who is probably never coming home is not an extravagant gift. What is really is is coverage of the human condition, which, last time I checked, is the basis for ALL news EVERYWHERE.
This isn't media criticism of cable news coverage; it's class warfare. Also, very clever how he turned Philadelphia's lauding of FNC's Latoyia Figueroa coverage into credit to CNN's Nancy Grace.
