Media

Uncertainty hijacked media coverage in 2020

Published

4 years ago

January 2, 2021

It’s been almost a year since we started hunkering down in our homes waiting for the virus to go away. In times of uncertainty we turn to the news for reassurances about the future, and it’s not the messenger’s fault if those reassurances don’t arrive as readily as we want them to. We still pay attention, and here are some things that caught my attention in 2020:

Media story of the year: Public response to COVID-19

When trying to explain why Japan has not suffered the same disastrous rates of coronavirus infection and attendant fatalities seen in Europe and the United States, domestic media have sometimes overreached for cultural indicators. Masks? Hardly uniquely Japanese. A spoken language with fewer plosives? Give me a break. “Mindo”? Does anyone really know what that means? The best they’ve come up with is a Japanese tendency to think that what’s good for your neighbor is good for yourself. Again, such a tendency is not distinctly Japanese, but it’s as good a cultural explanation as you’re going to get.

More to the point is the political response to the pandemic. If Europe and the United States failed, it wasn’t because their people, with exceptions, wouldn’t do what was needed, but rather because their leaders lacked the will to enact and enforce necessary measures. In places where such will was apparent — New Zealand and Taiwan — the virus made no headway.

Like those two democracies, Japan is an island, so geography may also have something to do with it and, in that light, it’s tempting to wonder if Japan would have been spared much of its current anxiety if the political will were as committed. Instead, we’ve gone through one officialized deviation after another: From the need to keep the spirit of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics alive to a state of emergency that wasn’t very urgent to ill-timed government stimulus campaigns such as the Go To Travel and Go To Eat promotions. It’s a roller coaster, and the media is hanging on for dear life.

Media person of the year: Naomi Osaka

In 2019, Naomi Osaka said she would renounce her U.S. citizenship and play on Japan’s tennis squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The games have yet to take place, but, in the meantime, Osaka’s star has risen spectacularly thanks to her athletic accomplishments and her identifying as a Black American, stories the Japanese media never quite articulated. In a real sense, it was impossible to celebrate Osaka’s performance on the court without referencing her uncompromising support for the Black Lives Matter movement that has dominated the American news cycle for much of this year, since the two issues were inextricably linked as she rallied to victory during her finest hour at the 2020 U.S. Open.

As the most famous Japanese athlete in the world, Osaka’s activism, which sprang from the part of her identity that had less to do with her birthplace, was problematic for many Japanese reporters. It wasn’t so much that they had to explain the BLM movement, but that they had to explain it in a way that made it meaningful to Japanese people. Some got it and some didn’t, a wavering response that was mirrored in the online reaction to a Nike commercial featuring young Japan residents, some of mixed heritage, who turn to sports as a means of asserting their individuality and self-worth in the face of bigotry. Is there racism in Japan? The media could try asking Naomi Osaka herself, or, for that matter, Yu Darvish and Rui Hachimura, two other proud Japanese athletes of mixed parentage who also, as The New York Times put it, “promote social justice” in the country where they currently make a living — the United States.

Most valuable player: Yuko Shimizu

It’s unlikely that Yuko Shimizu, a successful, controversial entrepreneur who hosts the YouTube talk show “Hitotsuki Mansatsu,” actually reads 10,000 books a month, as the title of the program suggests. His web page says it’s more like 1,500 to 3,000, but given his grasp of current affairs, as well as his ability to produce up to five hour-long programs a day stuffed with hard data and informed opinion, it doesn’t appear to be an empty conceit.

Still, there was no media outlet this year that showed up the deficiencies of the mainstream press with more thoroughness and credibility than “Hitotsuki Mansatsu,” especially when it came to the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Frequent guest Ryu Honma, a longtime critic of the games, continually discussed his conviction that they are doomed. Another freelance journalist, Hiromichi Ugaya, went beyond the usual gripes about the country’s press clubs to savagely question the whole purpose of the mainstream media’s coverage of the government on a range of issues.

During an August discussion of the machinations behind the government’s reservation of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine from foreign pharmaceutical companies, University of Tokyo professor Ayumi Yasutomi marveled at Shimizu’s command of the topic and wondered if “Hitotsuki Mansatsu” was the only place where you could get such information. Perhaps, but only if you have a lot of free time.

Most relevant TV drama series: “Stranger” (Netflix)

In a year when video streaming came into its own, Japanese content was dominated by anime, fantasy and, before it was canceled, “Terrace House,” but the narrative series that may have been the most pertinent was actually South Korean. “Stranger,” or “Himitsu no Mori” (“Forest of Secrets”), takes place in the Seoul Prosecutor’s Office. Its hero, senior prosecutor Hwang Si-mok, is literally incapable of empathy due to a neurological condition caused by an operation he underwent as a boy. He has no emotional investment in his cases, nor in the hierarchical intrigues that typically play out in bureaucratic organizations. He cannot be bribed with perks or intimidated by threats of demotion or transfer. Nothing matters to him except pursuit of the truth.

Consequently, Hwang is a handful for his colleagues, especially his superiors, some of whom he exposes as being corrupt and venal during the course of his investigations into other matters. The show is acutely relevant to the current situation in South Korea, where the president is waging a fierce battle with prosecutors. In Japan, prosecutors in TV series are usually portrayed as staunch protectors of society, so a local version of “Stranger” would probably be difficult. However, given the testy relationship between the current administration and the Tokyo District Prosecutor’s Office, I’m sure there’s probably a lot of great story material available.

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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

— Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

Published

3 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

Harry Miller

Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

Published

3 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

Harry Miller

Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.