Final Word from Thursday, July 7, 2011
It's easy to understand why politicians might want to cancel Czech TV's "Reportéři."Take a look at the investigative show's treatment of one of the CR's "wealthiest governmentofficials," Radek Šnábl. Or at the black eye it gave Bohuslav "Suitcase" Sobotkafor his role in the underpriced sale of OKD. Likewise, merely the Klaus pen videoon "168 hodin" would be enough for some politicians to give the show the ax. Or theway it makes fun of Miroslav Kalousek's drinking. These are two of the best showson ČT. Václav Moravec's debate show, "OVM," isn't bad either, but it's in a differentclass. Whereas "Reporteři" is often anti-Establishment and "168" is borderline, OVMis pure Establishment media. It throws softballs at its guests, otherwise they'd quitappearing. If politicians also want OVM canceled, it's because it plays favorites, notbecause - as Moravec would like us to believe - it's delivering its punches too hard.
Glossary of difficult words
hardball - uncompromising and ruthless methods or dealings (esp. as compared to "softball");
black eye - a mark or source of dishonor or shame (specifically in the choice of guests, in this case);
to give something the ax/axe - to eliminate something;
borderline - verging on a given quality or condition;
to play favorites - to show partiality toward certain individuals or groups.