Videocracy

To liken Berlusconi's control of the media as identical to the propaganda machine of Hitler's fascist Germany would be overly hyperbolic and only render easy dismissal from skeptics. But that being said, it would be fair to say that he does have a hand in steering the direction of his stations quite similar to the effect of Ruper Murdoch in FOX. Both have quite brazenly stated their intentions to use the power of their influence over the media to realize their utopic vision of societies. But before I povide more precise elaboration on the Italian media's general xenophobic, homophobic and sexist bias, I thought I'd share this trailer I discovered on a documentary exploring Berlusconian media.

Videocracy is the power of the image over society.

The review says,

In Italy, for thirty odd years, the image has been controlled by one man. TV-magnate and Presidente Silvio Berlusconi has influenced the content of commercial television in a way never before done in Italy. His TV-channels, with their young skimpy-clad girls, are seen by many to mirror his own taste and personality.

In Videocracy, Italian-born director Erik Gandini portrays the consequences of a TV-experiment that Italians have been subjected to for 30 years. Gaining unique access to the most powerful media spheres, he unveils a remarkable story, born out of the scary reality of ”TV-Republic” Italy.