When MacNeil says that much of television news is “machine gunning with scraps,” he means that
How is this math?
TV news gives rapid presentation of short news bursts?
To understand what MacNeil means by "machine gunning with scraps," let's break it down. MacNeil, a Canadian-American journalist, used this phrase to describe much of television news.
The term "machine gunning" is a metaphorical reference to the rapid and relentless firing of a machine gun, which can spray bullets in a scattered and haphazard manner. Similarly, in the context of television news, MacNeil suggests that news programs often deliver a barrage of short, fragmented, and shallow news snippets.
The phrase "with scraps" implies that the information being delivered is incomplete or insufficient. Scrap refers to something that is leftover or fragmentary. In this case, MacNeil is criticizing the tendency of television news to focus on superficial stories, lacking depth and meaningful analysis.
Essentially, MacNeil's critique highlights how television news often prioritizes quantity over quality. By quickly presenting a multitude of disconnected news pieces, the depth and context required for true understanding and analysis are sacrificed.
Therefore, when MacNeil says that much of television news is "machine gunning with scraps," he is criticizing the shallow, fragmented, and superficial nature of many television news programs.