Reading mainstream media its last rites

The increasing tendency to import high-profile guests from La La land has a real meaning in this context of narcissism. The correspondents are in effect enhancing their own reflection by importing truly beautiful people, those who make their livings in make-believe, and who wow Washington with their shallow fame and fortune. I wonder if Freud would call this, “transference” — where the patient (the correspondent) bolsters his or her fragile esteem with an Oscar-winning guest. “ Look at me!” Look at me!” “ My guest came here by private jet! Teenaged girls whoo and screech as we pass by on the red carpet! How would an old school editor react to what this indulgent evening has become?

Meanwhile, the boys in the boardroom are doubling down in their own narcissistic way. Not only do they fly in Hollywood guests, but as their grim demographic charts and revenues point downward, their pay is pointing upward. The New York Times reports on Monday of this week, “At the top of the list is Leslie Moonves chief executive of the CBS Corporation whose pay package in 2009 totaled almost $43 million, more than twice what he made in 2008.” Leslie is no fool. If his ship is going to sink, better to have a luxury life raft to sail off into the sunset… on a tranquil sea… smooth as a mirror.

Anchorman a well-known news anchor from a top-10, big city station. The Daily Caller has elected to redact his identity to protect his anonymity.