The spin doctor is in

July 6, 2012 6:08 PM

Spin Cycles is a radio series by CBC producer Ira Basen about how those in power can manipulate facts in order to make their case for the rest of us.

The series explores the world of politics, big business (previously), advertising and public relations to find the real message behind all that spin.

Episode 1: A century of spin
Episode 2: The spindustrial revolution
Episode 3: Calling Dr. Spin
Episode 4: The spin doctor is in
Episode 5: Spinning War
Episode 6: Spinning into the 21st century

The response by some members of the PR industry was surprisingly positive, although Basen still received some criticism. Was Basen's narrative simply just more spin (pdf)? Basen's response (pdf).

posted by jamincan (11 comments total)

Wow! Six hours of material about dissecting media bullshit, available for me to listen to???

This is right up my alley. Thanks so much for posting!
posted by hippybear at 6:27 PM on July 6, 2012

Excellent post! Or maybe not! Who knows? Needs additional podcasts on philosophy and what "truth" truly is! But that would also need a "truthful" podcast on what podcast on what "truth" truly is! Argh! Or maybe not!
posted by elpapacito at 6:32 PM on July 6, 2012 [3 favorites]

Both pdf links are broken. Flagging for mod attention now.
posted by hippybear at 6:32 PM on July 6, 2012

The corrected links:
Review Essay: Spin Cycles Unspun
Counter-spin: A response to Boyd Neil
posted by jamincan at 6:39 PM on July 6, 2012

Mod note: Links fixed, carry on.
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 6:39 PM on July 6, 2012

Wow! Six hours of material about dissecting media bullshit, available for me to listen to???

All right, maybe it's the Old Overholt talking, but that comment does it. hippybear, I'm spousing you.
posted by benito.strauss at 6:46 PM on July 6, 2012

Excellent. I love adding to the harem MeFi spouse pool.
posted by hippybear at 6:53 PM on July 6, 2012 [2 favorites]

The industry is still trying to electronically find and attract money. Quelle the fuckin suprise. Secondary income products get there checks from the same unethical business men.
posted by vozworth at 7:05 PM on July 6, 2012

I've lived in North America my entire life, and have never met anyone named Ira. I now know of three who are involved in public radio. Conspiracy?
posted by LiteOpera at 4:46 AM on July 7, 2012

You can't spell conspiracy without Ira.
posted by Jode at 5:44 AM on July 7, 2012 [3 favorites]

from the article:

"...we can give you a non-response and it won't matter. We can ridicule your question and what are you going to do about it. So spin would be the previous era. This is way beyond spin...
They change the game—you actually need a new language to talk about the new game but all you have is the old language..."


I have nothing to say except... yes.
posted by windykites at 6:50 AM on July 7, 2012