Thursday, March 28, 2024

“Variety” Revives Ancient Greek Legislator in Headline

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Variety, ever hoping to stay current, has revived an ancient Greek politician in their headlines today.

The lead story in the Hollywood trade mag may confuse young readers. “Solons Hammer Comcast on Diversity” is the ‘top story’ on Variety.com which is pushed out to subscribers.

Now, it’s not “salons” as in beauty parlors or cocktail parties with glib talk.

Solon was the original Greek politician, circa 1600 BC. He was credited with massive reforms in various areas, and left a lasting imprint.

The term “solons” became shorthand for politicians or legislators as American journalism took off in the 1930s. It was simply short headlines in narrow columns. However, no respectable paper still uses it. “Solons” reeks of mustiness and corniness. I don’t think I’ve actually seen it used in a modern report since 1970.

But there it is today, in Variety. Everything old is new again. Solon –wherever he is–must be thrilled to be included in the same breath as Sandra Bullock and other names of the day! Maybe he’ll hire a publicist. Soon Solons will be appearing in US Weekly, at radaronline, and The Wrap. Deadline Hollywood already is speculating that Solon will get a pilot on the CW. Welcome back!

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
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