Special edition: Women and Depression March 9th
According to a press release from ABC, The View will now label the thematic episodes of the show as “special edition.” The show has aired previous specials on adoption, foster care, and autism. The first episode under the new “special edition” label will be the Friday March 9th episode on women and depression, which I told you about previously.
The depression special has been receiving a lot of press coverage over the last day or two, but not because it is bringing attention to an important topic that affects millions of Americans. Rather, the media is focusing on the fact that Rosie O’Donnell will talk about her own battle with depression in the episode.
What is odd to me is that the press is reporting this like it is ground-breaking news or some kind of secret that Rosie has been holding onto. In reality, Rosie has spoken openly and honestly about her battle with depression for years. I guess things are “new,” because one media outlet says it is and then everyone else runs with it?
Would it be too much to ask for all of these same people to report in detail on the episode and educate their readers about depression? My guess is that they don’t think that will bring in the kind of readership that a headline like “Rosie hangs upside down to beat the blues.” At the very least, hopefully all the attention (although it is misguided) will alert people affected by depression and they can tune in.
Rosie O’Donnell, The View, depression
Click here to sign-up for the Watching the View e-mail newsletter. Be sure to put “newsletter” in the message.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:54 am
I love watching The View and I was always a huge fan of Rosie O’Donnell. But, recently it is getting tough and a bit awkward to watch. Isn’t this show to be about different views??? Rosie hardly ever lets Elisabeth get a word in edge wise. She seems to always have to have the last word and state her opionion twice as loud as everyone else. I just wish she could be a bit kinder and more respectful as she shares her views — that she would stop interupting and making sure that she has the last word on whatever the issue at hand may be. Let other’s share their views equally. It isn’t “Rosie’s View” it is to be about all different views and perspectives.