Can you say "bitter"? That's the vibe Slate.com Editor-in-Chief Jacob Weisberg gave off in an Oct. 17 column, which will appear in the Oct. 26 issue of Newsweek, about Fox News headlined "The O'Garbage Factor."
Weisberg, who once diagnosed former President George W. Bush with a learning disability, contends the Fox News Channel goes beyond just making liberal media elitist like himself cringe - it's actually un-American. Weisberg alluded to the recent rift between the White House and the Fox News Channel.
He contended, with an almost-overdone effort to be self-righteous and snarky, that the analysis of the feud, done on a recent broadcast of "The O'Reilly Factor," was all just too slanted for his tastes. He went along with the left-wing noise machine's notion that Bill O'Reilly, who isn't exactly a Reagan Republican, is some sort of tool of the right-wing.
"If you were watching Fox News Channel, you saw the familiar roster of platinum pundettes and anchor androids reciting the same soundbites: this was Obama's version of Nixon's enemies list, the rest of the news media is in Obama's corner, Obama should get back to governing, and so on," Weisberg wrote. "On The O'Reilly Factor, Alan Colmes, the network's weak, battered house liberal, mumbled semi-agreement while ‘Doctor' Monica Crowley and Bill O'Reilly lit up the scoreboard with these talking points. Any news organization that took its responsibilities seriously would take pains to cover presidential criticism fairly. It would regard doing so as itself a test of integrity."
What's even more laughable about Weisberg's insight is his assertion that Rupert Murdoch's creation of Fox News is responsible for all the left-drivel put out on CNN and MSNBC on a regular basis.
"What matters is the way that Fox's model has invaded the bloodstream of the American media," Weisberg wrote. "By showing that ideologically distorted news can drive ratings, Ailes has provoked his rivals at CNN and MSNBC to develop a variety of populist and ideological takes on the news."
And here's where the un-American part comes into play according to Weisberg. Weisberg maintains that the American press isn't distinctive because of its freedom guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, but rather because it doesn't take sides like the Australian and British press does.
"The Australian-British-continental model of politicized media that Murdoch has applied at Fox is un-American, so much so that he has little choice but go on denying what he's doing as he does it," Weisberg wrote.
Obviously Weisberg's version of American history ignores the early part of last century when it wasn't uncommon for newspapers to blatantly cater to one political persuasion, especially in larger cities with multiple papers.
To solve this problem and put Fox News in its place, which by the way is just creaming everybody in the ratings on a regular basis, Weisberg calls for what he deems to be legitimate journalists not to appear on the channel. He called on Fox News regular Mara Liasson of National Public Radio in particular to stop appearing on the network.
"Whether the White House engages with Fox is a tactical political question," Weisberg wrote. "Whether we journalists continue to do so is an ethical one. By appearing on Fox, reporters validate its propaganda values and help to undermine the role of legitimate news organizations. Respectable journalists-I'm talking to you, Mara Liasson-should stop appearing on its programs. A boycott would make Ailes too happy, so let's try just ignoring Fox, shall we? And no, I don't want to come on The O'Reilly Factor to discuss it."
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The only reason that MSNBC and CNN
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:17 ET by richb313The only reason that MSNBC and CNN look like they have shifted to the left is because there was nothing to compare them to before FOX News. If everyone has the same opinion and everyone tilts the news the same way it will look unbiased, especially to those that tend to agree with those opinions in the first place.
It is since Fox News has been on the air that the bias of the old media has really been exposed. FOX News does have an editorial point of view and that is more properly conservative/libitarian than Republican. They have done negative stories on many Republican issues and politicians including President Bush. FOX News is not perfect by any means but it is a refreshing change from the mono-color type of coverage we were subject to before.
Weisberg maintains the
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:52 ET by motherbeltWeisberg maintains the American press isn't distinctive because of its
freedom guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, but instead it doesn't
take sides like the Australian and British press does.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what's commonly known as "the howler of the piece."
Weisberg has a point
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:59 ET by allanfWhen businesses start to fail, they go back to the core business model that made them successful. In this case its left wing politics. As CNN, MSNBC and the networks continue to fail they will become more stridently left wing.
Wow! Talk about
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:20 ET by MidAmericaWow! Talk about Hitler's last days in the bunker, as he sent out instructions to no longer existing divisions. These old media types don't know their time has passed. If they didn't talk to each other they would notice no one else is listening.
All out assault
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:28 ET by MCPO AirdaleThis is another part of the coordinated, all out assault on conservatism. Be prepared. . . and keep your powder dry. This is going to get r-e-a-l ugly before it's over.
Baghdad Bob Wesiberg
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:36 ET by CO2Maker... says, "Let's try ignoring Fox, shall we? Like this piece I'm writing on Slate. See, we're not talking to Fox, just about Fox. As I said to Rachel Madcow, just apologize before you insult them, if you even want to talk about Fox, which we should just ignore. And Rush, too, now that we stopped that fat racist from buying into the NFL so some really phat, t***y bouncin', n***ah lovin', humpa-humpa owners can be ownin' the bruvvahs, etc. etc. Just don't talk about Fox, okay ... even when Fox broadcasts the football games. Just sayin'."
Very funny
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:00 ET by nolotrippenVery funny
“It is almost impossible to distinguish a politician from a gangster.” (Will Durant, 1931)
Re your tag line:
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:50 ET by motherbeltThe politicians are the ones talking and glad-handing you nonstop while they shake you down. The gangsters just point their gun.
Will Durant
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:53 ET by CO2MakerOf the "Will and Ariel Durant" school of philosophy? I think you mean "Will Rogers"!
You put the "erudite" in "error"! <g>
Just ignore FNC
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:42 ET by tim413Olberf--ka-s would then only have enough material for one show a week.
Stop federal judges from foisting their notions of "fairness" on the States. Amend the 14th Amendment! - tim413
These people have no problem speaking from utter ignorance
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:42 ET by StarAZSomehow (oh, don't ask) I got involved in a 2-day thread on Salon how on how "Fox doesn't even pretend anynore, it'st just someone's mouthpiece," blah-blah. Most of the posts were insults against me--how I was "proud as a peach" (like that one) of being a dope, or whatever. Whenever someone talks about Fox and calls it Faux or some other witticism, I know they don't watch. I kept asking for specifics, for evidence...finally ONE person said one pundit had overestimated the crowd at the DC even (O'Reilly underestimated, so maybe it came out in the middle?) and another said Hannity had said we had a cold year, which is apparently not true, or they so contend. I cannot have these Fox debates--with people who "just know" and don't watch.
All authortarian top
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:46 ET by MidAmericaAll authortarian top down types of governments must have control of information. It's the only way to convince people to accept things they don't agree with and to keep them from 'demanding' actions by their leaders. Only people who do not have access to a free flow of information can be exploited by the ruling class.
It's incredible that this point in our nations history how few people there are that are holding back the tide of despotism. If not for the media outlets of FoxNews, talk radio, the internet and a few periodicals we would be facing a complete meltdown of individual liberty.
I think he desperately wants
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 14:51 ET by kefkaI think he desperately wants to be a guest on BOR's show, but BOR won't return his calls.
Hmmm...
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:10 ET by BKeyserCan we use the term "douchebaggery" on this site?
Kind of Stewarty
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:04 ET by StarAZThe term is kind of Jon Stewart, but knock yourself out.
I actually thought
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 17:14 ET by BKeyserit might come off kinda Jeneane Garofalo- which says even less about my level of class, I suppose. I won't use it again ;~?
Garofalo is not a real name
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 18:17 ET by CO2MakerI just realized. It's an internet acronym. It stands for:
"Go ahead, roll on floor and lick Olbermann."
Don't ask how I know this. If I told you, I'd have to shoot you. It takes a skilled internet commando who knows how to bing and google and find this stuff out.
lol nice CO2
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 18:56 ET by BKeyserlol nice CO2
Here a Writer, There a Writer...
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:12 ET by BondPlainBondIt's looking as though the NEA Propaganda Grants, liberally doled out by the Obama White House to writers, artists, poets, singers, television writers and producers, motion picture writers and producers, etc, were extended to so-called fringe journalists (under the guise of "writer"), too.
These yo-yos are talking as if their wallets are really, really heavy with newly printed Obama cash.
Don't worry about Mara
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 15:40 ET by StarAZMara Liasson comes off as pretty pro-admin. So don't fret.
Mara
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 17:11 ET by matthewdeanAfter retiring, I started watching a lot of daily news; mostly Fox stuff, but I would catch the letter stations out of Los Angeles for local news.
I soon found I was actively talking back to the TV. I did'nt worry too much until I realized I was no longer talking TO, but yelling and screaming AT the television.
That situation, coupled with the fact that I was continually feeling at odds with the obviously slanted info garnered by reading three daily newspapers made me, if not unhappy, at least uncomfortable.
After observing Mara L. on Fox a few times, I remember thinking, she seems like a nice, intelligent lady, but certainly does'nt miss too many chances to come down on the side of the current administration.
The foregoing leads to this:
StarAZ, your post about Mara is short, sweet, and to the point.
More importantly, it, (and the majority of comments by posters on NB on a multitude of subjects) gives me and my thoughts affirmation; I am not crazy, nor am I alone.
Makes being retired a much nicer concept, and is much appreciated.
MD
Oh...you are not alone
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 10:35 ET by StarAZPlenty of people come on this site who are not wearing drool cups and even have advanced degrees...I laughed when you said you talk to the TV--I do, too--my kid will walk in the kitchen and say, "Are you talking to me or Juan Williams?"
Now somebody serve him a
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:25 ET by samhermanmdNow somebody serve him a little cheese to go with all of that whine.
This is beyond crybaby tactics.
Validating propaganda
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:29 ET by MCLIJazzThat's how I feel about people that go on "Countdown," "The Ed Show," or "The Rachel Maddow Show." But especially "Countdown." One by one, people that I was okay with destroyed their credibility: Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Sarah Silverman, Jack Black, John Hodgman, Jason Bateman, Kal Penn, Seth MacFarlane, Richard Lewis, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, that other "Monty Python" guy that was on Thursday night, Marisa Guthrie of "Broadcasting & Cable," sports columnist Richard Justice, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Even the "Mythbusters" appeared on the show.
It's the shows that I named on MSNBC that are truly where propaganda is validated and credibility goes to die.
Having said that, the opposing point of view does show up from time to time during the rest of MSNBC's broadcast day. It's shot down by the Shusters, Halls, and Brewers, but it shows up.
Good Point
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:34 ET by timrfrench61These people burned capital by going on countdown. They need to try and get themselves reabilitated on "Red Eye" ASAP. Please forward to their agents...
Slate
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:32 ET by timrfrench61Is any one still reading that tired old "Pure Virtual Call"? They should see if CNN or The New York Times will merge them before they get "garbage collected"...
I don't understand how very smart Jewish people...
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 16:36 ET by Red Jeep...are so dumb and clueless when it comes to politics.
Guilt driven paranoia....I
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 18:55 ET by doug1950Guilt driven paranoia....I suppose
Fox
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 19:05 ET by charlietexasThey just hate Fox. What they hate is that people are listening to Fox because they are fair and balanced. The main stream media is the media of hate and bias. The nation is watching and listening to them. I can't wait for the next election cycle.
He needs some help
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 19:31 ET by zachlindHe looks like a girly man.
the ignorance of libs...
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 19:38 ET by michiganruth...is stunning. a co-worker of mine could not believe when I said that O'Reilly is generally positive about Obama. she'd never watched him (OF COURSE, no decent person would!) but she just KNEW he hated the president.
as they've been pointing out on Fox, they certainly do have opinion shows that are conservative. but they also have NEWS shows, that are...well...news. and it's amazing that these liberals don't know the difference.
From 6-8 Fox is middle of the road, and the 6pm show has one of the best panels in TV, because it includes the brilliant Charles Krauthammer.
besides Mara, NPR's Juan Williams is also a regular. O'Reilly has had the heads of ACORN and Code Pink on his show. that kind of all-over-the-place sensibility just doesn't happen on MSNBC or, more disturbingly, on CNN--which used to be ok but has now curiously morphed into an arm of the Obama administration.
Believe me
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 10:30 ET by StarAZNOBODY knows more about Fox, for sure, without a doubt, than someone who never has watched even once!
Progressive Whining At Its Finest
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 19:44 ET by rammingspeedWeisberg imagines himself and his "progressive" colleagues to be legitimate journalists. Stunning. And funny. These are the creeps who created alternate news sources like Fox News, as well as the conservative talk radio crew. They did it with their putrid, arrogant attitudes and their sneering, abusive treatment of everyone who disagreed with them. He has a lot of guts referring to himself as an ethical journalist.
Since the hatchet job on HW
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 20:17 ET by buddycSince the hatchet job on HW Bush, I never read time or newsweek anymore after a lifetime of having subscriptions to both.
For this man to lecture Fox on journalistic integrity is pathetic. This man has no integrity.
Cancelled Newsweek
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 10:27 ET by StarAZI cancelled Newsweek after a lifetime of reading it--decades--when they started all the covers with Obama in a halo, etc. When I watched MSNBC, their reporters (Thomas, Meacham, Fineman) also seemed biased toward the president. When you cancel--they pay you back--or did. Need money?
Cable Game: Where's The Outrage At That Quote From a Liberal?
Sat, 10/17/2009 - 23:07 ET by StewartIIIThe Cable Game: "Fox stands to become the first network to actively try to kill its viewers." Where's The Outrage At That Quote From a Liberal?
http://thecablegame.blogspot.com/2009/10/fox-stands-to-become-first-network-to.html
You know whta really gets them
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 00:27 ET by richb313You know what really gets them is that the FOX audience is not only larger but that they have a larger Liberal and Independent audience as well. All other News Organizations, especially cable news do not have the balanced audience that FOX has. How's that for Fair and Balanced. For the facts check out Pew Research.
→ Rich
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 00:42 ET by Cool ArrowA liberal is still going to get the same news on FOX that the others provide.
Liberals come to FOX to get the news that's stifled by the SubPrime Media.
Even on the opinion shows, you're quite likely to get an opposing opinion.
I
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 09:40 ET by jessieHI have one question for these idiots. How are the American people going to know the truth if they stop watching Fox? They shure won't find it on any other news network. Oh,they talk a good story, but it's not the truth.
Shut the hell up,
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 23:40 ET by RR GOPShut the hell up, Commie.
These people hate America,,,don't let them hide behind the fact they were born U.S. citizens make you think for one minute they have any pride whatsoever in America. Goes for the Capitalists and RINOs as well.
They've all been selling us out.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.