MovieChat Forums > S.W.A.T. (2003) Discussion > News broadcasting of '$100 million'

News broadcasting of '$100 million'

posted 13 years ago by lylesanford
7 replies | jump to latest

This movie is far from perfect, but one thing I always cringe at is the TV news stations repeatedly showing the offer of "100 million dollars to whoever gets me out of here."

Not only wouldn't TV news stations broadcast this multiple times, they wouldn't broadcast it even a single time.

As a TV news producer by occupation, with 10 years of experience, I can attest that this simply wouldn't happen.

TV news stations often work in concert with law enforcement in a variety of situations, including SWAT standoffs. The ethics in TV news simply would not permit stations from airing the terrorist's offer even one time, as it would encourage anarchy.

There is no governing board that would prevent it, but rather I am confident that every news station would independently decide against broadcasting the offer... especially in a large market like Los Angeles.

Of course, without the offer, the movie would suffer. But nonetheless, it is something you can confidently and routinely call BS on every time you see Oliver Martinez' lucrative offer repeated by TV stations in the movie.

[–] nutsberryfarm 13 years ago

yeah. it's really stupid. they also give the net worth of his family too as if to reassure everyone out there thinking about breaking him out that he can pay up!

“Can't go wrong with taupe."- Wynn Duffy

[–] lylesanford 13 years ago

Ha ha ha. I didn't realize that too, but you're right.

Ridiculous.

[–] nutsberryfarm 13 years ago

the idea that criminals watch the local news is even more loco.

“Can't go wrong with taupe."- Wynn Duffy

[–] Ashley_The_Little_Rogue 13 years ago

Wrong. They broadcast Bin Laden's message to wage holy war on America on CNN, so why wouldn't they broadcast this man's offer? They broadcast ANYTHING that would enrage, or persuade the people into a belief.

[–] lylesanford 13 years ago

That's your problem if you can't see the difference between the two.

[–] JackDnCoke 12 years ago

Exactly. Just look at all the coverage and hype of where one of the Boston bombers is buried. In the local news (I live in Carolie County) it has been ALL they have talked about shown exactly where he is buried numerous times just to get a rise out of people and get views. Media is scum.

[–] swtdelt 12 years ago

Yeah, the first time I saw this I questioned whether or not the news would actually air his offer of $100 million to break him out.

Or would so many people be dumb enough to believe a drug lord, murderer, etc be honest enough to actually pay you the money once you've broken him out of jail. i'm sure a man of his character would rather just kill you so he doesn't have to pay you the $100 million.