April 29, 2008
Miley Cyrus and me
My daughters, 9 and 7, are huge Hannah Montana fans. While my wife and I limit their TV time, they watch Miley Cyrus' show ("Hannah Montana") whenever they can. If they see the same show 10 times, they seem fine with that.
It shows how old I am, but I remember being the same way about Gilligans Island. And Johnny Quest. And the Partridge Family. And...
An editor at the Kennebec Journal yesterday suggested that the story about Cyrus' Vanity Fair photo shoot — she's 15, and some VF photos showed a lot of skin and were provocative — should go on page A1.
He rightly noted that many of our readers' families would be like mine: They'd be interested in Cyrus' controversial photo spread, might discuss it, and would read a story about it.
I decided not to run the story on A1. We didn't do an A1 "promo" of it either. Promos are the story teasers and mentions on A1 every day that tell readers about interesting stories inside the newspaper.
I watched some of the TV coverage last night about Cyrus and wondered if the editor who suggested this was correct to do so.
I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Mr Conrad,
For what it is worth, I agree with your decision and I APPRECIATE your decision. It is society that has made THIS story, like any other story, explode. My question to ALL of the parents out there who are complaining is....really, would any of you allow your child to read Vanity Fair? If so, then who should we be looking @ in teaching our children right from wrong? Certainly not Hannah Montana. These children that watch Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana, wouldn't probably recognize her in @ least one of those photos. This girl did not bare it all on the show or in a Tween Mag. So, to NOT make a big deal out of something, is the best way to make it go away! That, Mr. Conrad, is my thought.
Tammy Manduca
Posted by
Tammy ManducaApril 29, 2008 03:55 PM
Mr. Conrad,
I too agree with your decision. My daughters, who go to school with your daughters, ages 10 and 7, are also huge Miley fans. They are oblivious to her controversies and can stay that way. It is when the media places more emphasis on these stories then neccesary that it becomes a huge issue for children. I may agree that the photos are too risque for a girl of her age, but that is her parents' problem. My children do not need to be exposed to it. Also my children are Hanna Montana fans, a fictional TV persona. Miley Cyrus is an actress. Her life may take a lot of turns I don't agree with, as long as the TV show stays innocent and silly, I am good.
P.S. They like Zoey 101 too, but know not to model their behavior after Jamie Lynn Spears.
Posted by
CindyApril 29, 2008 05:26 PM
Mr. Conrad,
Let me add my agreement. Remember what happened to the other "stars" who achieved great fame and fortune before they were mature enough to handle it? Our kids are emulating Britney, Lindsey, Paris, as heroines. Hopefully Miley's dad, Billy Ray, will guide his daughter better than the other parents did...but when she's 18, will she implode like Britney did? You were right not to print that article. Freedom of the press is laudable, but that doesn't mean an editor MUST print every story that comes around. Save this one for the Inquirer.
Posted by
Michael J DenisApril 30, 2008 09:34 AM
Yea, I dunno..
Posted by
JimJune 3, 2008 10:09 PM
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