The Olbermann Factor
If MSNBC were consistent, Keith Olbermann would not have been the only on-air personality disciplined for making political contributions.
For those who don't watch his "Countdown" program (which would be most of the country), Olbermann was suspended "indefinitely" after it was learned he donated money without approval from management to three Democratic congressional candidates. The problem for MSNBC was not only Olbermann's failure to get permission, but that he anchored part of the network's Election Night coverage. Apparently at MSNBC, the chair you sit in matters more than the content of your journalistic character.
Unlike Juan Williams, who was fired by National Public Radio for expressing an opinion on the hated (by liberals) Fox News Channel, Olbermann enjoyed a four-day weekend and is back on the air at MSNBC because he is a liberal and liberals mostly take care of their own.
I am intrigued by MSNBC's policy prohibiting host-anchors from financially contributing to political campaigns, because donating money isn't the only way one can make a contribution. Olbermann, along with other MSNBC hosts, regularly make "in-kind" contributions to Democrats by favoring candidates and policies in line with their beliefs. And yes, some host-anchors at Fox, including Glenn Beck, do the same. Most observers of broadcast TV (and cable news) know of other "contributions" made by on-air personalities, contributions that include the types of questions asked and even the kinds of guests invited to appear on programs.
For a conservative guest, the questioning by a liberal usually goes something like this: "What do you say to people who think you are a jerk?" Translated this means, "I think you're a jerk, but I'll couch it in a way that makes me look professional." To a liberal guest, the liberal host asks: "When did you first realize you were right about everything and the opposition was wrong?" I exaggerate only slightly to make a point. What passes for modern "journalism" is something quite different from what I remember growing up.
Mentors from my days as a copyboy at NBC News in Washington look at me now from black-and-white photos on my office wall. Most of their names would not be familiar to people younger than 40, unless they studied the history of the profession. Among them are Martin Agronsky, Ray Scherer, Bryson Rash, Frank McGee and Elie Abel, all now dead. The late David Brinkley is probably remembered more than the others because of his greater fame and a career that extended into the last decade.
These were real journalists who came to broadcast network news mostly from newspapers and wire services. They could write. They believed journalism was a calling and a public trust. Their agenda was to report facts as they discovered them. Probably most were Democrats, but compared to what passes for contemporary journalism, their politics and opinions were mostly kept out of their reporting. The cynicism created by Vietnam and Watergate began to change journalism and compromised many journalists and the ethical standard by which they once lived.
Today's "opinion journalism," which is a contradiction, has eroded the public's trust in networks and newspapers, as reflected in declining ratings and circulation. People today tune in to programming that only reinforces what they already believe.
Still, Keith Olbermann should not have been disciplined, if that's what a two-day suspension can be called. Instead, each time he makes a political comment, a disclaimer should be put on the screen which states which politicians he favored with donations. The same holds true for all the others. Silencing people does nothing for the credibility of a network. Every network "performer" and newspaper political reporter should have information about his or her actual and in-kind contributions available to the public, including any speeches given that endorse a specific candidate or political group.
We in the media demand full disclosure from politicians. If more of us were transparent about our political "contributions," perhaps the public would trust us more. Or not. Either way, what we demand of others, we should also demand of ourselves and show the way by example.
(Direct all MAIL for Cal Thomas to: Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y. 14207. Readers may also e-mail Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.
- Cal Thomas's blog
- Login to post comments
Comments
Nail, meet hammer
Submitted by falcon on Fri, 11/12/2010 - 9:25pm.
Cal, as a former journalist I think you knocked this one out of the park. I do believe that journalists of years past kept their feelings (and biases) well-hidden, but the later generation (30 years ago to today) was and is always trying to impress its "feelings" upon the viewers and readers, to the point where facts become immaterial. And it's the best reason why I no longer get my news from the mainstream media. Good article, Cal.
“I will not stand by and watch this great country destroy itself under mediocre leadership, that drifts from one crisis to the next, eroding our national will and purpose.” – Ronald Reagan, July 17, 1980.
Excellent Mr. Thomas
Submitted by The_Pumpcrop on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 12:02am.
I would like to see FOXNews do a whole show (weekly?) on MSNBC's hypocracy and lies, as well as all the others, television, radio, and magazines. At least fight back more then what they do already. With their audience, imagine... I believe the Golden Age of true information is gone. It may come back, but I'll be an old man. FOX isn't perfect but they try, more then I can say about the rest. Nobody is going to police themselves, or put their own feet to the fire. FOX has the best chance to do this because it would seem the ONLY ones putting them down is the other Libbo networks. Out here, everyone agrees Olbermann is an @sshat, MSNBC is for the Ultra zombies, the rest are Family Guy-script rejections, but FOX really does try.
China Wholesaler Town -
Submitted by jywhy555 (not verified) on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 4:31am.
China Wholesaler Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of promotional gifts, Wholesale Umbrella you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! Wholesale Lighter Successful corporations realize Wholesale Camera that well-planned and well-executed employee incentives play an important Wholesale Speakersrole in helping reach objectives, Wholesale Razor building company morale, Wholesale Jewelryand rewarding both the employees and the valued customers.Wholesale Socks With promotional and novelty gift items, China Wholesale Town Wholesale Furniture International became a specialist in providing branding services. Recorder Pen We proud ourselves in being fast and accurate. Wholesale Scarf We can put your logo on all the products from our OEM / ODM ection. Wholesale Chair Most of our items can be decorated with logo or personalized with personal engraving. ladies Briefcase We delivering to virtually every country in the world Computer Desk. Our warehouse and office
are staffed by a young team of Chinese and Western staff Vacuum Storage Bag . Our professional staff will contact you as soon as possible to provide you with the best quality service through the mail and the telephone.Wholesale Briefcase We can provide customers around the world with many well-produced goods and good service,Wholesale Toys because of many years of
experience in friendly and Wholesale Stress Ball cooperative relations with many Chinese factories and suppliers. Wholesale Fan Here you can find all the most popular, Wholesale Clocks stylish, high-quality goods. Wholesale Sweatshirt China Suppliers, Custom Logo Imprinted, Wholesale Wallet Promotional Products, Promotional Gifts, Promotional Items, Waterproof Waist Pack Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Merchandise, Dropship Wholesale, Wholesale Accessories, Wholesale Directory China Wholesale Town - Most Reliable China Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Ashtray Custom Logo Imprinted Promotional Gifts, Promotional Items Products, Giveaway Material!Wholesale Pen If you want to start your business with some daily used items, Wholesale Pillow here is the site you need to check. It offeres many products like Bottle Opener, T-Shirts, Carabiner Wholesale Frisbee and Umbrella, Pen, Wholesale Carabiner ect. Under each product section, there are some detailes classification. For Wholesale Keychain, there are Coffee Mug, Water Bottle. For Wholesale Socks and Wholesale USB Products, there are also some detailed classifications. Wholesale Waterproof Case China Wholesale Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of Promotional Gifts, you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! China Wholesale Town - Most Reliable China Wholesale Suppliers, Custom Logo Imprinted Promotional Gifts, Promotional Products Items, Giveaway Material! If you want to start your business with some daily used items, Wholesale Kitchenware here is the site you need to check. It offeres many products like Wholesale Pom Poms, T-Shirts, Carabiner Wholesale First Aid Kit and Umbrella, Pen, Bottle Opener ect. Under each product section, there are some detailes classification. For Wholesale Cup, there are Coffee Mug, Water Bottle. For Wholesale Clap Hands and Wholesale Water Bottle, there are also some detailed classifications. China Wholesale Town - China's most viable wholesale supplier of Promotional Gifts, you can customize your own logo, no matter anywhere in the world! Wholesale Apron Top China Wholesaler-Buy Wholesale Promotional Gifts Promotional Products from China Our main products are consumer electronics, gifts and souvenirs, Wholesale Lanyard, health care products, beauty products, Wholesale Carabiner, automobile parts, household items, plastic products, metal products, Wholesale Mug, kitchen supplies, stationery, sports goods, toys, Wholesale Christmas Gifts, watches, leather products, etc. Tips for Choosing Sports Wholesale Halloween Gift; One Way To Protect Your Device - Wholesale Waterproof Case; Introduce The Wholesale Lanyard For You; Customized Cheaply Prices Promotional Caps-Wholesale Bag; And the Wholesale Clothes Rack also gradually become recognized best promotional product; Buying A Gift For your Friend Who Likes Reading-Wholesale Golf Products; Customized Printed Wholesale Vase
Personalization/Engraving Services
Some items, such as Crystal Award and Metal Coaster and Metal Money Clip and Metal Luggage Tag and Metal Keychain etc, crystal material or metal material products. Camera Tripod require a plate to be added for engraving. Wholesale Clothing These plates can added as your request.Bean Bag
Debossing/Embossing
Debossing services are offered on leather items. Such as Leather Wallet and Leather Mouse Pad and Conference Folder and Leather Name Card Holder etc, Debossing is a method that depresses yor company name or logo down into the surface of a leather item. Eye Mask Wholesale EarphoneThis method displays your company logo through the leather goods without color, Water Guncommonly known as "blind debossing". Wholesale MatWe use this method to ensure quality of your goods. Over time, Wholesale Keyboardcolor that is added to leather will fade or flake away.
Screen/Silk Screen PrintingWholesale Jacket
Screen or silkcreen printing is popular for our non-textile products. Poncho RaincoatThis screening can be either single or multicolored. such as Pen and and USB Flash Drive and Tape Measure and Mug and Water Bottle and Umbrella and Inflatable etc, plastic material, leather material, metal material, Wholesale Knifesilicone material, rubber material, Wholesale Candletextile material are available.
EmbroideryWholesale Mouse
At Corporate Snobs we pride ourselves in offering some of the best choices of customization in the industry.Wholesale Calculator
Our embroidery options are available for most of our monogrammed Tote Bag and Apron and Cap and Embroidery Coaster and Towel etc textile products.
Decoration styles vary per item. PVC Vase Each decoration style will be listed in the product page. Wholesale Mp3For various products, Wholesale Tie decoration options are available for customer to choose type of engraving desired. BB GunsThis will be noted as a choice with the item.Wholesale Earphone Promotional Products, Promotional Gifts, Electric Shaver Promotional items from China, Toy Guns Custom-made gift Wholesale, Promotional Giveaway Material! Sport Watch Wholesale Merchandise, Safety Belt Wholesale Suppliers, Wholesale Dropship, Door Mat Wholesale Distributors, Wholesale Accessories, Wholesale Watch Wholesale Directory, Discount Wholesaler Flexi Vase
buy American
Submitted by ripper58 on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 7:41am.
Cleanup on Aisle 3!!!
Submitted by motherbelt on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 7:54am.
Spam droppings
Yeah, but they're offering a
Submitted by bretzysdude on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 8:33am.
Yeah, but they're offering a wholesale MOUSE.
Not so bad, really
Submitted by RESTLESS 1 on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 11:03am.
I can blog, pontificate, and now shop without getting out of my chair, (on the same website, mind you!!!). Maybe this isn't so bad.
Staged
Submitted by StCroix64 on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 11:10am.
Anyone besides me think this whole Olbertool thing was a dreamt up ploy by bathtub boy himself?
You give him too much credit.
Submitted by virginia republican on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 6:55pm.
He's a delusional moron who doesn't have enough lucid moments to dream up any ploy to increase his ratings. Not even for a couple of days.
Mr. Thomas
Submitted by sarge329 on Sat, 11/13/2010 - 7:07pm.
I would have to say that Mr. Thomas is correct. I would take it one step further, though. When- ever any commentator of any political leaning makes a statement, any and all organizations to which they donate any money or time should be posted onscreen. That way, we would get the chance to follow the money . After all, money talks, BS walks, right?
Journalism is effectively
Submitted by Beukeboom on Sun, 11/14/2010 - 2:01pm.
Journalism is effectively dead. It was on life support during the 2008 election and died shortly thereafter. Now it's just a rotting corpse which marks its presence by its stench.