CNN’s Paula Zahn Investigates Hip-Hop
News Program Questions Whether Hip-Hop Is Art or Poison
I’m likely not the only person who finds the idea of an investigative report about hip-hop led by newsperson Paula Zahn kind of strange, if not outright amusing. But say what you want, her CNN series Paula Zahn NOW will feature an entire self-described “one-hour special” on the music tonight at 8pm EST. Formally titled “Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?,” the episode has the enticing teaser “Hip-hop has been accused of glorifying violence, objectifying women and promoting homophobia, and at the same time has been praised for reflecting the realities of urban life. We bring the controversy ‘Out in the Open’.”
Is it mere coincidence that this special arrives just the day after Independent Lens‘ excellent broadcast of Byron Hurt’s 2006 documentary HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes on PBS? I don’t know. Despite CNN’s somewhat anemic Web site for tonight’s show—particularly in comparison to PBS’ rich and informative site for the Hurt documentary—both followers and detractors of the music might become more aware of pertinent issues if they tune in to the program. Let’s just hope it doesn’t prove to be one more of those “news” reports that, instead of offering a genuinely fair and balanced approach to the subject material, simply pander to the most sensationalistic, negative, and controversial aspects of it. Hip-hop enthusiasts have got their collective eye on you, Paula.
The Paula Zahn NOW special “Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?” airs tonight at 8pm EST on CNN.
Paula Zahn photo courtesy of CNN
