New BET 'The Truth' Show: 'Cross Between Olbermann and Maher'

New BET 'The Truth' Show: 'Cross Between Olbermann and Maher'

By Brent Baker (Bio | Archive)
August 14, 2008 - 00:19 ET

Viacom-owned BET on Friday night will launch a weekly half-hour news and interview program hosted by a left-wing political activist, and though it is titled The Truth, the AP's David Bauder reported it is “described as a cross between Keith Olbermann and Bill Maher with a black perspective.” The 11 PM EDT show will be hosted by Jeff Johnson, whom Bauder noted in his Wednesday AP dispatch, was “an activist for the NAACP and People for the American Way.”

Bauder observed that the program's “debut is timed for the Democratic National Convention” and that BET “will also air Barack Obama's speech accepting the Democratic presidential nomination on Aug. 28 live, just like its competitor TV One. Neither network, however, is airing John McCain's acceptance speech at the Republican convention the next week.” Amongst “news specials” BET will air during the nights of the Democratic convention: one “focusing on how ex-convicts can't vote” and another on “whether Obama could be considered a manifestation of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech.”

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Johnson's Huffington Post page provides a more complete bio:

Jeff Johnson is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist, social activist and political analyst who has served as senior advisor for media and youth outreach for People for the American Way, national youth director for the NAACP and vice president for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

BET's page for the show trumpets:

THE TRUTH, a weekly show aired in front of a live audience, will take a look at news, trends, pop culture, current events and politics from an honest Black point of view. This show has no barriers, as it is conducted to show others the real view of the Black community by informing and entertaining the viewers all at the same time.

Not only will Johnson give his audience a view of Black culture through news, he will do it in a way that will keep his viewers engaged and excited. The show will include talk, investigating reporting, and one-on-one interviews with leading newsmakers. You won't just get the issues of the day; you'll see the emotional side of some of the most controversial stories through a three-way debate conducted by Johnson and a segment that compiles multiple stories of the Black community.

Viacom's page for BET, Black Entertainment Television.

—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center

Comments Policy

All comments are owned by whoever posted them and are subject to our terms of use. They should not be assumed to represent the views of NewsBusters.

maybe...

August 14, 2008 - 02:33 ET by gordon

Maybe if they put in some additional punctuation.

The "Truth"

Huh?

August 14, 2008 - 03:43 ET by ChesterBogus

What's your point? "Oh no, black people made a TV show!" I mean, honestly, what are you trying to say. That a TV show on BET that attempts to give a true look at the black experience as it truly is...is...wrong somehow? Proof of a liberal bias? Proof of........reverse...racism? I mean, what is your point?

I mean, honestly, this is just a plain TV show that will attempt to
present people's real lives. This website is devoted to news items, TV
shows, and other bits of media that are clearly biased, incorrect or
just plain inappropriate. So, by simply writing this post, you have
implied that black people telling "The Truth," so to speak, is biased,
incorrect or just plain in appropriate.

Oh, wait, the first commenter...I think he helped me understand. He
said, they should call the show The "Truth", because black perspectives
on life are an unequal, lower form of truth and therefore need scare
quotes. Again, revealing the blatantly racist perspective of this
website. Oh no! A show called The Truth! Well, clearly it won't be the
REAL truth! Black peo- I mean, LIBERALS made it!

I think this sounds like a nice show. Too many people think that there is no rift between black and white in this country; some naive and stupid people even go so far as to believe that the KKK is no longer active.

News flash, people: black and white people are different, and if they want to make a TV show that explores their own lives, that's introspective and reflective, then good. I tend to imagine that the black community could use some introspection these days and it is very important for white people to observe, listen and contribute when possible.

Because white people do need to be involved. White people just aren't listening. Black people say, "We live in different worlds," and white people say, "No, Civil Rights ended that." But Civil Rights didn't end that. White people say, "Racism is dead," but it is far from dead. White people continue to put their fingers in their ears and go "lalalalala, can't hear you!" when black people start to talk.

You can't mock this show; you have to watch it. You have to sit down and confront how people feel. Listen to their opinions. Consider their perspectives. News flash: black people fear us. Do you know that? Black people are afraid of white people.

Stop and think about that. Think about it honestly before you start talking shit about this TV show, before you start talking shit about BET.

I will go out on a limb here. As you know, I do not read comments on this website addressed to me. I just don't care what any of you have to say to me. It's a Christian virtue, actually. I learned that in Church.

However, my friend made a good point to me the other day. He's Mexican, and very proud of it. He looked me in the eye, and he said, "I hate white people." Do you think I called him racist? Do you think I yelled and got defensive?

No. I asked him why. "Why do you hate white people?" And he told me. And I learned more from that than anything I ever learned in school on MLK Jr. Day. I asked him to go to angrywhitedude.com and try to explain to the moron that runs that site why he is a dirty racist, and he said to me, "Dude. You have to confront your own people. I tell Mexicans what's up, but I can't tell white people what to think. That's your job."

highcontext (at) gmail (dot) com. You want to talk about this, then let's talk about it. This is a racist website; if I found my child on this website, I would wash his mind out with Spinoza. I am very willing to communicate with any racist that wants to email me.

Uh,

August 14, 2008 - 05:38 ET by cheesegrater

Whatever

black people tv is not

August 14, 2008 - 09:49 ET by TruthMonger

black people tv is not racist

what's wrong with us anyways

Journalism is the opium of the liberals

No. I asked him why. "Why

August 14, 2008 - 07:14 ET by Firmworm

No. I asked him why. "Why do you hate white people?" And he told me. And I learned more from that than anything I ever learned in school on MLK Jr. Day.

Considering MLK Jr. day is a holiday and no school I would hope you learned something Mr. Bogus.

No one for one second on

August 14, 2008 - 07:53 ET by ksennish

No one for one second on this website has a problem with the black community taking an introspective look at itself. I think everyone could benefit from that in their community once in a while.

The issue we take here is that this isn't about being black, its about forwarding a political agenda using racial pretenses. If this show were to be objective and really make a full effort to reflect on the black community, wouldn't it be logical that this show demonstrate multiple viewpoints on the subject instead of repeatedly pressing one political agenda as the only correct solution to todays problems?

i have an issue with

August 14, 2008 - 09:50 ET by TruthMonger

i have an issue with it

there's only one race on this planet

any other view is podscum racist

Journalism is the opium of the liberals

It seems that you think that

August 14, 2008 - 07:42 ET by mjg

It seems that you think that black and white are the only races in America. What about the Orientals? We are a race too. I have never complained about how the media and press don't seem to care about Orientals and the American Indians. If you think I am racist than you live a very sheltered life. We have no BET either. No news outlet from the Asian perspective. I personally could care less what you think.

Too bad Chesterbogus

August 14, 2008 - 07:41 ET by Cool Arrow

So you have a friend who's a "Mexican" who hates white people?

Too bad if you're a white guy. Cuz your friend hates you.

Too bad about him being a "Mexican". I'm very happy being an American. So happy in fact, that I actually live in my home country.

Bet he's happy to be from Mexico instead of in Mexico.

Pretty good bet Mexico doesn't want your "Mexican" friend either. Did I mention your friend hates you if you're white.

Must be tough being your "Mexican" friend.

I ♣ my seal

C A, Touche' check out

August 14, 2008 - 08:10 ET by USA4freedom

C A,

Touche'

check out the new guys info on his page.

He finds "us" amusing...

Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.

Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.

Yeah, so I see alot more

August 14, 2008 - 07:42 ET by ThatDude

Yeah, so I see alot more racism in your post than I have from most of the posters on this site. I dislike outlets like this show because they are a forum for shaping thought. It's another place where people are fed leftist garbage and of race relations, told that things are completely unfair and will never be so. Agree with me on this point or not, but I feel that all these groups and organizations like BET focusing on racial differences do alot more harm than good in driving us to a post-racial society. I'm tired of this "two worlds" bull because while in some cases it may be true, to keep giving it as an excuse does nothing more than put a wedge between the races and encourage hostility as unfairness is bound to do.

Now, to reply to the first thing you said, which was one of the few truly on topic. BET itself is a heavily left leaning station. The host of this show is also very much a liberal. It's my opinion that the show will present most topics from the left and then find some way to inject racism into (otherwise why say it's from a black perspective?). Further evidence to why both the network and the show have liberal bias lies in the fact that GOP'ers get no voice on there.

I know I've ranted a bit, and that you're nothing but a hit n run troll, but the claims you made required a response. Your comments come across to me as racist. Claim that I myself am racist and blinded to your arguments if you will, but I prefer to think that the solution to racial problems is to judge people by their character. Furthering the divide by focusing on differences does us no good.

Cheers! Sorry to any other NB'ers who wasted their time reading my response.

Black Opinion

August 14, 2008 - 08:21 ET by Upway

Chest: Since you say that white people should "Listen to 'their' opinions. Consider their perspectives", listen up:

I am not "afraid of white people", no one in my family or circle of friends is afraid of white people.

I do not plan to watch that show as the programming on BET does not appeal to me, nor does MTV, etc.

Yesterday, I dropped my 18 year old son off at a predominantly white college. (No, he is not a rapper, nor has anyone pimped his ride).

The KKK did not protest our arrival. Yes, he will have to work hard and there may even be a few people with preconceived stereotypes about blacks who don't like him. If so, he will just have to prove them wrong with his behavior and actions.

Really, there is no single "black experience". Just like whites, everyone travels a unique path. The difference in outcomes depends largely on personal CHOICES.

Also, you may wanna seek out some new friends. The ones you have sound extremely hateful.

Upway, Good for you! Its no

August 14, 2008 - 08:45 ET by USA4freedom

Upway,

Good for you! Its no secret to get ahead is hard work. Its also hard to raise good kids. But unless you are born into money it’s the only way. My two children work their buts off, they are 28 and 25. My son last night tells me: Dad, I have been busting my A$$ off with over time and my pay check hardly shows it. I told him welcome to the redistribution of wealth..

Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.

Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.

Good for you Upway.

August 14, 2008 - 10:45 ET by mjg

Good for you Upway.

"I mean, honestly, this is

August 14, 2008 - 08:38 ET by SickofLibs

"I mean, honestly, this is just a plain TV show that will attempt to present people's real lives."

Hey Genius: the show hasn't even aired yet, so how can you characterize it's content?

Chester, not that you

August 14, 2008 - 08:52 ET by USA4freedom

Chester, not that you care but I will tell you anyway.

About 25 years ago I tried to work for Bell Telephone took the full battery of test, (three hours). After they told me I passed all of them except the highly technical (almost passed that) that they could not hire me because I was white.. So what did I do? Started my own business (actually two business, the first did not work) and now at 52 I’m retired..  Moral of the story, stop whining, bitching, blaming some one else for your problems as you set and watch Jerry Springer every afternoon. Shut up and start to make the American dream come true. Go back to school, stop having kids at 15. There is NO OTHER COUNTRY THAT IS BETTER TO GET AHEAD THEN THIS GREAT CONTRY. If you can’t make it here: YOU ARE NOT TRYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Dam, all this crap just tires me out, we can’t get ahead because of the white man. The white man doesn’t teach young black men to treat black women badly, having kids out of wedlock, making them quit school, making them stay in the ghetto, teaching the man inferior form of English. There are more black men in Jail then in collage,that’s not the fault of white people. In their own actions and decisions they make themselves un-marketable. Doing well in school is “acting white”. Shame on Sharpton and Jackson, I’m sure that Dr. King looks down on them and wonders:what happened?

 Making sure you don’t make it does not put one penny in my pocket, in fact it cost us all every April 15th. Why would the average white American want you down trodden. The more people make it, the more to row the large tax and spend congress along.

Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.

Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.

While I'm on a roll, Chester

August 14, 2008 - 08:55 ET by USA4freedom

While I'm on a roll,

Chester said: Black people are afraid of white people?

With about 13=10% of the population blacks attack whites twice as much as whites attack blacks with over 70% of the population. That static is including people that know the attacker. If you just look at black on white or..white on black crime on strangers the percentage goes to: in 2005, black on white crime 15.4%.. White on black 4.8%.

Keep in mind there are 40 million Blacks and 221 million whites yet black still kill more whites then whites kill black..

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/tables/ovrelracetab.htm

Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.

Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.

Chester the site troll, Angry White Dude response

August 14, 2008 - 09:32 ET by jefflebowski

Chester, you truly are amazing. At Angry White Dude, we discuss issues from a white male perspective. You called me a "dirty racist" because I wrote a post stating that much of the current black culture (rap music, incarceration rates, dropout rates, out of wedlock births, violence, etc.) illustrates what the KKK says in their propaganda. I went out of my way in that post to state that I don't support the KKK. We do not allow the N word or other invective but we do expose hypocrisy and issues with all races. We do not only criticize bad behavior in blacks but speak about topics in many diverse areas.

Chester, you are an apologist for all things black. We at AWD (and most whites) expect blacks to act and perform as well as other races. They certainly are capable and more and more are moving out of the "ghetto and victim" mentality that is so prevalent with blacks. I believe that blacks are in no way inferior to any other race. In essence Chester (Dave), you are the real racist because you continually excuse bad black behavior because you believe that they cannot excel outside of rap and basketball and without government intervention and because of racism from whitey.

You call me a "dirty racist" and a "moron." I define a "racist" as someone who doesn't do or say what blacks or the MSM want them to do or say. So, I will take your "racist" moniker with pride. On AWD your arguments were shot down with reason and logic, but with courtesy. It is interesting that you have chosen to resort to the tried and true liberal method of name calling once your arguments have been defeated.

I have welcomed you to my site and even last night responded to you with courtesy. I told you that I would not correspond with you privately because my readers deserve to see each side of the argument. That is how we learn. I see that you are a coward here as well...only wanting to communicate with "racists" through private email.

Present your arguments with logic like a man Chester and drop the insults. Anyone that reads what transpired on Angry White Dude will be able to see that you twist words, invent things and are a coward.

Jeff Lebowski

www.angrywhitedude.com

HA HA HA HA HA!!!

August 14, 2008 - 09:36 ET by kdizzydaze

So the basic point of the post is "I hate you all on this website and I will not bother to read your replies"

Well then, in that case -

nanny nanny boo boo

stick your head in doo doo

Chester, you're a racist.

August 14, 2008 - 09:45 ET by mattm

Chester, you're a racist. E-mail yourself.

Chester...

August 14, 2008 - 10:48 ET by on-the-rocks

the point was not so much that black people made a TV show.

The point is if one is using a cross between Keith Olbermann and Bill Maher as "the truth", that is a pretty poor benchmark. Using two jaundiced-viewed white guys to define your program is not a good start. The show should be allowed to define itself, on its own, rather than invoking those two intellectual midgets.

Set the bar a little higher, perhaps invoke a "black version" of Crossfire.

"You can't mock this show;

August 14, 2008 - 17:45 ET by HeavyChevy

"You can't mock this show; you have to watch it. You have to sit down
and confront how people feel. Listen to their opinions. Consider their
perspectives. News flash: black people fear us. Do you know that? Black
people are afraid of white people."

What about black people who are afraid of other black people? you remember don't you, the drug dealers, gangs, muggers, rapists.

Or White people who are afraid of other white people you know the drug dealers, gangs, muggers, rapists.

Or Asians who are afraid of other Asians you know the drug dealers, gangs, muggers, rapists.

Let me be the first to tell you Chester old buddy, welcome to the human race!

do you see where I'm going with this Chester, this is old hat what your saying and what Bad Entertainment Television is doing is nothing new. I bet by mid next year there will be another show just like this one, then another, then another all touting the same crap...new, fresh, hip, never been done before and it has been so many times over its pathetic.

Let me give you a preview of this show and the next one after.

Why do black people hate white people.

Why do white people hate black people

There I just covered every damn episode.

You claim that you go to church, well not with that mouth I hope.

I will watch that show when it does something historic like "how can we all get along like true Americans", "how can we take responsibility for our actions" or "let's stop calling our women whores" until then go away and never return.

"9 out of 10 doctors agree that flag burning is the number one killer of liberals."

Even though you don't read

August 14, 2008 - 22:34 ET by bretzysdude

Even though you don't read your replies, troll, let's face it, Not only are you a racist, you're a STUPID racist, and a Marxist to boot.

Get the hell out of here.

What would happen if

August 14, 2008 - 09:12 ET by mattm

What would happen if someone came up with WET (White Entertainment Television)? How about the NAAWP or the White Panthers...etc.? These people are racists - it's no wonder they're Libocrats.

Brent Baker et

August 14, 2008 - 09:56 ET by contrary

Brent Baker et al..

Chester here is a troll. He states so in his bio and exemplifies it in his posts. Trolls like this bigot are the reason why debates on Newsbusters devolve into emotional rants and stray off topic. In this case, the majority of posts are replies to his hate. Are all posts welcome here, or is there a standard you guys hope to achieve to stimulate more than just rants? I hope it is the latter.

Thanks

"I don't have time for this. You all can continue your co-dependency posts and make yourselves feel all chummy... Frankly, you all don't represent where America is going and you might as well get used to it."

--The Dooper

Ahh yes...

August 14, 2008 - 10:35 ET by connorin

....But FIXEDNOISE is the only biased network out there

Other races seem to make it

August 14, 2008 - 14:46 ET by USA4freedom

Other races seem to make it here in the US, they come here more often then not, unable to speak the language or know the customs, they make it. Its not hard to understand why.

Let me give you an example (the same example I always used with my kids) I ran a bar/restaurant 10 to 16 hrs a day. There was a Korean store across the street. I would see the guy there when I started between 10 am and noon, I would see him sweeping the walk at between 2am and 4 am every morning of the week.

Its not that they are smarter or stronger, or people look out for them, they just out work us. That’s all. Its that simple.

The point is, how wonderful it is to live in a country where the only thing that holds you back is your own drive.

While you might never be rich, but if you work, go to school, don’t have kids early, marry, stay off of drugs and alcohol then you should make it.

Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.

Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.

Why the h*ll would you even

August 14, 2008 - 17:29 ET by bretzysdude

Why the h*ll would you even WANT to advertise a TV show comparing to two blowhards?

No bias or hypocrisy here

August 14, 2008 - 17:34 ET by bigtimer

No bias or hypocrisy here now is there...as if any of this BS is going to persuade more people that weren't already voting for him...to vote for him.

Btw...can you imagine what would happen if someone started a television station called the WET?

We'd never hear the end of it.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

Bigtimer, the WET?

August 14, 2008 - 19:55 ET by jefflebowski

Big, as you know, the professional victims from the civil rights camp do not want their followers to blend into America. They would be out of work. And the black people who elevate into a higher standard of living might tell their friends who may also elevate. People like site troll Chester are apologists for bad behavior in the black race. He loves the idea of a BET but would scream the loudest over a WET.

Jeff Lebowski

www.angrywhitedude.c...