American I$D$O$L

Maybe it is impossible to work in the media for a few decades without becoming cynical, but I'm over media self-promoting charitable works. Exhibit #1 is tonight's broadcast of "American Idol Gives Back", an extra long broadcast of the meg-hit Fox show. It's a wonderful thing when people or groups of people give money to charity. But when you include your own name in the effort, sell commercials on it, and generally use the program to brag about what good people you are, it makes me want to, well, barf. At least one Alabama TV station does pretty much the same thing with an annual food drive, turning it into a promotion for themselves and their good works, even selling commercial sponsorships for the big event. Want to help a needy cause? Fine, write a check, a tithe if you will, and then SHUT UP!