The press and Anna Nicole Smith

If they really want Jerry Springer's fans I guess they are doing a good job. Some products and their advertising are aimed at the lowest common denominator.H. L. Menken said "no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public".

The classic dilemma of journalism: Do you give the public what it wants, or what it needs?

In a system based on "the free market" where cash (ie ratings) is king, why would the press NOT sell us what we so clearly want? The Bimbo of the Week, whether it's Anna Nicole or Britney or Paris, is just great trash. Ditto the Oscars (at least until everyone got so classy and clean and boring). Ditto any celebrity trial you could name, ever.

Look, it's just more fun to be less-than-serious with your news. Keep in mind that Edward R Murrow's great documentaries from CBS' golden age completely tanked in the ratings. And there wasn't any competition from cable!

This is the price you pay for having a market-based, capitalist system. Live with it. Or change it. It is what it is.

As outrageous as she was...sober she was smart like a fox.
Under the influence... she was exploited ...used up....
Stern is still exploiting her...her mother wants to continue to
exploit her.....The photographer kid...seems kind of normal ...
and most likely the father of the kid.....hope he gets custody
of that little baby...

Our Judicial system tanked for a week and allowed the media
to exploit this woman...the Judge should be disbared....it
took real judges only few hours to do the right thing...now who
is getting paid for the funeral coverage, pictures, tape etc?
and what media outlet is paying? more exploitation....

I liked this gal...she knew how to use the only thing she knew how to make a living...good for her...but for others it was not
enough...they had to drug her and keep her that way to suck
more and more.....

now the money grab will continue the whole cycle.

I am so saddened of the death of anna nicole smith my thoughts are with howard stern and baby dannylyn i hope the best for these two special people who have touch the hearts of many many people around the globe.
p.s. i hope the media will keep low after her funeral just for the sake of this precious little girl because we do not want this little girl to grow up as a young lady messed up?

thinking of you dannylyn and howard, you are in our prayers forever all the way from south australia.

I am so saddened of the death of anna nicole smith my thoughts are with howard stern and baby dannylyn i hope the best for these two special people who have touch the hearts of many many people around the globe.

Posted by: Cassandra | Mar 2, 2007 8:27:29 AM

What about the soldiers who are leaving behind young children? Are your thoughts with them, too?

Elizabeth Bennet is correct, unfortunately. Let's not forget, however, that the airwaves are publicly owned. We, through our elected representatives, theoretically, make the rules. Uncensored journalism is essential to democracy. We ought to ensure that it isn't forced to provide the sleaziest coverage to earn ratings and survive. If people want sleaze, there's plenty to choose from everywhere through all media. I don't think forcing huge media conglomerates to lose money in their news divisions in return for the use of our airwaves is an unreasonable expectation.

I am very sad that Anna Nicole Smith died at such a young age. I think she was a great lady who did the best she could to make a life for herself and her children. Despite attempts by some (including Virgie Arthur) to besmirch her name, a lot more people have said very good things about her and I choose to believe them. I also hope that her faithful companion Howard K Stern gets custody of poor baby Dannielynn even if he is not the biological father. At least he stood by Anna's side throughout and did not bail out like the photographer. God bless Anna, Howard and baby Dannielynn. Rest in Peace Anna!

I am very sad that Anna Nicole Smith died at such a young age. I think she was a great lady who did the best she could to make a life for herself and her children. Despite attempts by some (including Virgie Arthur) to besmirch her name, a lot more people have said very good things about her and I choose to believe them. I also hope that her faithful companion Howard K Stern gets custody of poor baby Dannielynn even if he is not the biological father. At least he stood by Anna's side throughout and did not bail out like the photographer. God bless Anna, Howard and baby Dannielynn. Rest in Peace Anna!

I, too, am so sad for the baby of this person who seemed to be forever plagued with her own personal demons. But, I hope and pray that the user / enabler Howard Stern gets kicked out on his butt where he belongs, and that the true father of Dannylynn is the photographer who seems to be the only one with any sense!!

I have never been able to understand why so many people are fascinated almost to the point of obsession with celebrity. Perhaps my sister the professor of cultural anthropology is right when she opines "the masses are asses."

For "What about the soldiers who are leaving behind young children? Are your thoughts with them, too?

Posted by: Jeff C. | Mar 2, 2007 9:21:47 AM"

Go suck an egg. People care about the soldiers and their children too. This article is not about them. IDIOT.

Are you nuts, Howard Stern is a bum and should not get custody of Dannielynn if he is not the real father. Everyone knows that Anna only moved to the Bahamas to avoid a paternity test and Howard Stern was involved in this plan. Howard Stern knows that he is not the real father and they don't I guess recognize DNA testing in the Bahamas, it's who's is listed on the birth certificate as the father of the baby they recognize. I think Howard Stern had this planned out from the get go and everything so far is going his way. Poor mother can't even bury her own daughter in Texas because of the stupid American justice there.

The wonderful thing resulting for Anna Nicole is that she is "Absent from the body, present with the Lord" 2 Cor. 5:8. It seems as though everything in Anna's life had become a horrible conflict, relationships that had once been full of love became full of hate. I think Anna died of a broken heart, it had a hole in it that no drug, or fame, or fortune could fill. I pray that now Anna looks differently on her life on earth, and has forgiveness and love overflowing in her eternal life, In Jesus name, amen

REST IN PEACE DEAR FLOWER SYMBOL OF OUR AGE. THE TRUTH WILL BE DISCOVERED AND REVIELED IN TIME.

REST IN PEACE DEAR FLOWER SYMBOL OF OUR AGE. THE TRUTH WILL BE DISCOVERED AND REVIELED IN TIME.

As far as,I'm concerned the total obession with
Anna Nicole Smith,has to be ranked right up there
for Sleazy Story Coverage by our so-called news
media,with the OJ Simpson Murder Case,with the
same kind of totally disgusting tabloid type
wall to wall coverage of a non-news story all
over again!
And at a time,that the deplorable conditions
our own Wounded Soldiers and US Marines were
forced to live in,at Building 18 Walter Reed
Army Medical Center,that only the courageous
Washington Post had the sanity and guts to cover and expose in depth that that story sure as Hell
deserved much much more then the death of a
sleazy bimbo nothing like Anna Nicole Smith,sd
I'm actually even surprised that some looney toons
Fox News Reject like Rita Cosby didn't start
claiming OJ did it,to Anna Nicole Smith as well!
What in the Hell has Journalism in this country
come to here now then? I say give all the media
from CNN and MSNBC on real Hell for their
totally distorted priorities and shocking lack
of concern about the kind of care and living
conditions our wounded GI's are put into bby
Commander in Chief George W Bush & Company,
and I add that I say that as a former radio
newsreporter myself,so News Media take note!

In response to Zoe's remark.
A GREAT lady? What are you smoking. Unfortunately, she was a drug addict with a ditzy persona. I'm unclear as to what she was so famous for. Perhaps manipulating people, pilfering from rich old men, having fake boobs & fake lips makes you famous. Paint 'em red & kiss up to oil tycoons while shaking your money maker on a stripper pole must be the ticket to success!
Come on, she didn't even take a break from drugs while pregnant with that "poor baby Dannielynn".
As for Howard K. Stern, he is a slimeball, who enabled her. Hopefully, you are not gonna get your wish for the baby to live with Stern. There's something really creepy about him and this entire story.

I am shocked at the ways the media is manipulating the ongoing saga of Anna Nicole's death and the custody battle. The media paid for Anna's mother to go to the Bahamas and they staged a weep session over Daniel's grave. Howard has been Anna's best friend for over 10 years and yet media talking heads attach such negativity in the way they describe him. I believe that the media have played a role in encouraging Virgie to fight--she has only money to gain. Howard wants to protect the baby and Anna's name and likeness. Even though Larry is the biological father, I think that they should share visitation/custody. Remember that Anna trusted Howard enough to give him custody of her beloved son Daniel in the will.

The Fox Noise Channel has been all over the Anna Nicole "story".

Things aren't going to well for the Republicans so they've switched over to cheerleading about a deceased stripper for the time being.

Thank god she will be layed to rest with her beloved son. I wish people could see the good in this. It is a truely sad event/situation but she can be in peace now. As for her mother Virgie, Howard, and Larry, I hope you all can agree. No doubt did you all love her. It sucks seeing what is going on but not knowing what to do or how to help. It seems Anna didn't know who to trust and with the heart as big as her, it got broken alot. I hope you all can find comfort and closure. I'm sure Anna has forgiven and would want you all to come together. But all that matters is that you know you love her. I will miss seeing her peerkyness that brought life into this world. Sadly a part of us died with her. But my heart goes out to all those directly affected. Good luck you. Anna be at peace with your son and watch over your baby girl.

Thank God the poor girl is buried. Rest in peace
great big beautiful doll. Some may say the funeral was over the top,worthy of the queen or someone like that. No, Anna did not
invent anything, cure cancer, she was uneducated,
she was tabloid newsworthy and outrageous. BUT, Anna was like a jewel or a Christmas tree ornament that we all could not help but gaze at because ofits sheer beauty. I will miss her. She
deserved a grand funeral, going out in style.

Thank God the poor girl is buried. Rest in peace
great big beautiful doll. Some may say the funeral was over the top,worthy of the queen or someone like that. No, Anna did not
invent anything, cure cancer, she was uneducated,
she was tabloid newsworthy and outrageous. BUT, Anna was like a jewel or a Christmas tree ornament that we all could not help but gaze at because ofits sheer beauty. I will miss her. She
deserved a grand funeral, going out in style.

Anna Nicole Smith's death is tragic. May she rest in peace.

Problem in this country is people are more concerned over who wins on American Idol over who wins an election for President. The current people in the White House know this & have been taking advantage of it by doing things Americans should be appalled over, but ignore.

Ask people on the street whose 3rd in line to the President if something horrible happened & then ask who is likely to win on the next American Idol & you know exactly where I'm coming from.

This is how this great country get ruled by a horrible President like Bush.

We must examine our interest in Anna Nicole. Isn't it amazing how a woman can snare in all these willing participants. A lotta blonde hair, a smattering of plastic surgery, all of them fell like fleas. The interesting story here is, how easily men fall for a Marilynesque immitation. In the end they were still fighting for a piece of her.

Are we "following" the story, or being stalked by it?
In six months, will anybody really care? When is the last time you heard anything about the "most important" story in recent history -- "The Runaway Bride"? Do you even remember her name?

We have our regular female contributors here in The Swamp like Elizabeth Bennet, Janet and Catherine, but is it just me, or has this topic gotten a disproportionate number of responses from females compared to the size of overall posts and the history of female participation around these parts?

[Note: I am not making sexist implications as to the participation of females in politics or political forums in any way, shape or form. I'm merely making an observation that having 8 posts of 16 (not counting doubles) being women (assuming c.perry, gerry and clovis are male) seems to be high for any topic around The Swamp, let alone one with little reaction.]

Intellectuals are stumped that 35% of the country is riveted by Anna Nicole's saga. It's assumed that the 35% are dumb, unwashed masses. Nothing could be further from the truth. Anna Nicole was a battered, abused and raped youngster who escaped her heinous mother and reached safety--far away from her family.

That's an extremely compelling hook for anyone who has suffered abuse or rape. You can even have a university education and feel great compassion and a kinship with Anna Nicole. Suprised?

May Anna Nicole Smith rest in peace along side her beloved son Daniel in the Bahamas! Mama Virgie needs to back off and leave her trauma & drama in Texas and leave the Bahamas altogether.
Larry, hmmm, it's a possibility. Regardless if he is or isn't the father, Anna NAMED Howard K. Stern as the father of Dannielynn and avoided any and all paternity from Larry and whoever else. Everyone blames Howard K. Stern for Anna's demise in Hollywood. Howard K. Stern was Anna's personal Attorney who lived with her 24/7. He could've lived apart, kept appealing her case for Marshall's monies, which he would be entitled to 33.3% as her attorney when she collects either the $88 million offered by Pierce Marshal or all of the $488 plus $200 million in interest over the last 10 years. The battle for Dannielynn, by Virgie and Larry.....who are we kidding....it's all about the inheritence she will be entitled to. However, everyone seems to forget, once again, Anna NAMED Howard K. Stern as the executor of her will. Now with both she and Daniel (who was to have been her sole heir) dead, it is Howard K. Stern's responsibility as the executor of Anna's estate to distribute, create, market, develop, and copyright Anna Nicole Smith for Dannielynn and Dannielynn only.
This is why in Anna's will she made sure she purposely included the statement that none of her estate will be for future husbands or children. Because like Larry Birkhead, if he is Dannielynn's father, it would've given him the right to all of Dannielynn's inheritence under his guidance as her father. Anna knew back in 2001 when she made her will that if she dies before Daniel (her sole heir) she knew in her heart Daniel would've taken cared of his sibling(s). Now without either of them, it's up to Howard K. Stern to care for Dannielynn as her father (biological or appointed it didn't matter) just as Anna NAMED him to be! I am passionate about Anna Nicole Smith. She never got the recognition she deserved, at least not until death. The fighting in court with Stern, Arthur, & Birkhead awarded Anna Nicole Smith the recognition she strived for.....to be a household name. With all the pictures being posted over various stations also showed how incredibly beautiful she really was. She was the underdog for most of her career, but at the end, she took over the airwaves like a star! Move over Marilyn Monroe, your legend no longer exists, Anna Nicole Smith has taken over your memory in all who knew her. A new legend is born, her life so similar to Marilyn, down to an early death. She didn't need to be buried next to Marilyn to be adored and loved. She's adored and loved right next to Daniel in the Bahamas.
Now.....wonder who will play her part in the movie? Aloha Oe Anna.......

This Media Freak Show will continue until the "grieving" public loses interest, and the gold mine created by all the sordid events is shut down like a Montana mineral mine shaft, leaving behind an empty, unwholesome hole in the ground. The cameras here in Fort Lauderdale have been turned off, the cell phones, curiosity seekers, and even the noisy helicpoters have departed for now, eagerly awaiting the next tittilating event capable of glazing over the minds of Americans.

anna nicole smith marshall thanks for sharing your larger than life persona. you gave so much joy, love and devotion to your fans. your death has launched millions of tears each one full of sadness and love. you are a legend and you shall surpass any prior dead legend because you are the definition of a godness. you were taken to soon.......but maybe daniel was in need of you and as a mother you chose to help the one in need. little dannilyne with know just how noble you are. finally today you will meet daniel at the soft pink gates in heaven and walk into peace, and those that opposed may they walk down the stairs to a burning hell. anna you are loved and will be missed and immortilized.i love you i love you i love you r.i.p

While you folks were fretting about Anna Nicole's demise, I was
in Latvia enjoying soogie-platz with Brittany.

I care about the war, I care about our soldiers, and I also care about the story of Anna Nicole, and her son Daniel and daughter Dannielynn. She was a woman, a mom, who had a dream, a goal, and who so sadly consumed herself in the pursuit of what she thought had value. We as a society continue to encourage the madness with many of our pop-culture stars today. Most heart-wrenching is how apparently misunderstood were the peculiar innocense and joy for life and love that both Daniel and Anna Nicole had, and how love eventually released Anna from the earthly pain of being misunderstood. It's a very sad story, it reminds me that I have a heart.

In response to the disproportionate response from women -- The story is packed with issues that resonate in the hearts of women. An innocent baby in harms way - suspicious death of a child - suspicious death of a mother - control and suppression by men - allegations of abuse - a mother's yearning to bring her daughter home out of the clutches of her drug pusher and user - the tumultuous life of a troubled young lady - the list goes on.

Mother's all over and from all walks of life and social status can relate to contending with the heart break of rebellious children that have been sucked into a life of drugs, alchohol and enablers. Yes father's love their children too, but the mightiest fights in the world are those of a mother fighting for her child.

Even thou i didnt personal know anna i think she is a very nice person and i felt heart broken when i hear she died it,s like i like felt i knew her personal.because i know what she feels when she talk about the abuse she goes through with her mother.i pray that god rest her soul
and i think she is at peace right now with her son.also i think howard should keep the baby because he seem like a nice guy and the baby only know him as the father whether or not he is the real father. anna chose howard to be the father for a reason not a season.

She was a beutuful Guess Model back in the 90's and is why she was famous for.. she was absolutely Stunning, her face made her..practically that was her main feature for the guess company.. i am a photographer and i have no doubt about it.. She was very funny as well and down to earth.. regardless of the drug use or whatever is the case.. she made her public laugh at the anna nicole show.I feel so bad that she has passed so young she was 39 just like me, and i can relate to that.. OMG is tragic.. especially leaving a beutuful baby behind ,i feel so sad she end up mingling with the wrong people.. and did not have a sense of direction after her son's death. famous or not famous for most, she was a human being !

Katherine makes an excellent point as to why so many are intrigued by this tragedy. Yes, she was quite famous, for whatever reasons they may be, but mothers around the world relate when the circumstances are as Katherine said.An innocent baby in harms way, a suspicious death of a son,etc. May Anna rest in peace. I. too, care about the United States troops. They are in danger everyday.Everytime I hear of a fallen soldier, my heart breaks for them and there loved ones. I also feel like our soldiers do not receive enough support. I know people do care, though, but theres not the media covering each soldier, so the public doesnt really get a chance to mourn for each one of them, sadly! I say, Let Anna rest in peace with Daniel, let the legal system work it all out. Larry Birkhead,you will get your baby because God is so much bigger than Howard K Stern.Have faith in the Bahamas, too. They will do the right thing and send DannieLynn home!!!! Virgie, I pray you are successful in bringing Anna AKA Vickie home and Daniel as well.

Dear Anna may you rest in peace.The will was made with her wishes . The man in her life for the last 10 years acted as a lawyer,best friend, lover and Father of baby. She had the choice to change her will when pregnant with Danielynn. Even after her sons death. She knew in her heart she needed to be with Daniel. If she had lived I'm sure she would be a great Mom. Howard you know in your heart of heart who the baby really needs to be with. PLEASE NOT WITH VERGIE. That woman was not a Mother. Anna needed you when Daniel passed on and all you could do was blame Anna. The baby could be blessed to have 2 dads to love her. Both Daddies may you do what is best for the baby.Donate some of the $$$$$ to a foundation for Drug abuse,Fathers raising daughters. I wish you all love and to commit your love and guidance for this little angel.
Sandy from Canada.

Anna is 1 beautiful woman that will be deeply missed. The one's who became her extended family miss you and Daniel but mostly you are with him and that's what matters.You will NEVER be forgotton my love. No more pain and suffering that alot of people don't understand that. We Love you and miss you. God Bless you,Dannielynn,Howard,Larry and the rest of your friends..............That smile will last a life time baby............

well thank god things are finally moving along, most importantly that anna nicole smith is buried next to her beloved son. and today the paternity test was done ,but once again it will turn into a media circus once the results are known.
just when you think all is fine with the buriel you have the daniels father coming out of the wood work and wants him buried in texas like ann'a mother fought for and lost. the man is a drunk and looks like a hobo listen mr. smith you go simmah sit down and have another drink. leave the son you never knew nor raised or ever gave anything to lay in rest beside his mother.
let us all hope that those vultures that have interest in taking dannilynn; ms arthur and that fake prince character take a long walk off a short pier, infact ms arthue take mr smiths hand for the walk while your at it.
let us all pray for baby dannilynn that she ends up in the rightful loving arms and home that she so needs. anna will live on in our hearts and prayers and through the eyes of dannilynn.
bless you dannilynn there are a world of people that love and care about your well being.
best regards,
terence

well thank god things are finally moving along, most importantly that anna nicole smith is buried next to her beloved son. and today the paternity test was done ,but once again it will turn into a media circus once the results are known.
just when you think all is fine with the buriel you have the daniels father coming out of the wood work and wants him buried in texas like ann'a mother fought for and lost. the man is a drunk and looks like a hobo listen mr. smith you go simmah sit down and have another drink. leave the son you never knew nor raised or ever gave anything to lay in rest beside his mother.
let us all hope that those vultures that have interest in taking dannilynn; ms arthur and that fake prince character take a long walk off a short pier, infact ms arthuer take mr smiths hand for the walk while your at it.
let us all pray for baby dannilynn that she ends up in the rightful loving arms and home that she so needs. anna will live on in our hearts and prayers and through the eyes of dannilynn.
bless you dannilynn there are a world of people that love and care about your well being.
best regards,
terence