Breaking the Set

Breaking the Set was a thought-provoking and boundary-pushing news program that aired on RT from 2012 to 2015. It established a reputation for offering viewers a fresh, unfiltered take on news, current affairs and, primarily, the critical and often difficult issues that the mainstream media usually avoid or obfuscate. Hosted by American journalist Abby Martin - who was then an emerging voice in alternative media - the show embodied a defiant spirit that challenged conventional news narratives.

The show’s title, "Breaking the Set," clearly articulates the purpose and spirit of the program. The word "set" refers to the predefined, often stereotypical and cliched narrative constructs – those so-called "sacred cows" of mainstream media. At the same time, it is also a nod towards the television studio set, where most news narratives are created and controlled. The term "breaking," on the other hand, signifies a resolute aim to disrupt, dismantle and challenge these constructs. Thus, the show aimed to dismantle the entrenched stereotypes and narratives, providing viewers with an alternative lens for understanding complex issues.

Abby Martin quickly gained a reputation as a fearless journalist and host who wasn’t afraid to dive deep into topics that are usually deemed too controversial or too complex for mainstream television. Her incisive and uncompromising style of questioning frequently unsettled guests, and her willingness to dig beneath the surface of current affairs provided viewers with new perspectives on the news.

As part of her unique approach to news, Martin often invoked the notion of "media literacy" – encouraging viewers to question and interpret the narratives presented to them, rather than simply absorbing them as factual information. This resulted in a program that, beyond the basic function of disseminating news, also served as a critique of the contemporary media landscape.

In addition to covering major global events or US international relations, Breaking the Set frequently highlighted social issues and featured activists working towards peaceful change. It was not uncommon for the show to focus on taboo subjects, like the prison-industrial complex, corporate wrongdoing, government surveillance, geopolitical analysis, and injustices faced by marginalized communities.

Moreover, the show incorporated distinct segments to provide a diverse range of content. One recurring segment, "Brainwash Update," was a platform for Martin to criticize mainstream media's manipulation of the narrative concerning various topics. Another segment, "The Daily Take,' shed light on lesser known news events, often revealing untold stories that are deliberately ignored or downplayed by traditional news outlets.

Breaking the Set also spotlighted numerous interviews with prominent thinkers, activists, authors, and critics, who shared their expertise and, occasionally, their unconventional views on a range of subjects that the mainstream press seldom touched. These wide-ranging and comprehensive conversations fueled constructive debates, providing the viewers with a broader and, more importantly, a different perspective on matters of significance.

Despite the show's controversy and frequent criticism from various entities, it gained a loyal and engaged viewer base, both on television and online. Many of its followers appreciated the show's commitment to addressing underserved topics and appreciated the authenticity and transparency that Abby Martin brought to the program.

In conclusion, Breaking the Set was a groundbreaking RT program that did precisely what its name suggested: it broke through the stereotypical narratives, fearlessly voiced the inconvenient truths usually bypassed by mainstream news, and urged its viewers to demand more from their media. As such, it represented an influential player in broadening the unsettling conversation about the role, responsibilities, and potential manipulations inherent in media production. Despite the show ending in 2015, its legacy, approach, and the significant discussions it sparked continue to resonate in contemporary media discourse.