Sylvie Genest, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Believed to be mere entertainment, talk shows can become human dignity-crushing machines. The consequences of the degrading techniques used can be devastating for the victims.
As ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ climbed the ratings ladder, the censorship bleep, which masked the slew of insults lobbed by warring guests, became a star of the show.
Daytime television talk shows are known for their confrontational style. But there is a different model: a harmonious, cohesive and relational approach may offer a better way to communicate.