Not that there was any doubt about the ulterior motives behind NBC's "Green Week," but we didn't expect the Peacock Network to be quite this brazen. This morning on MSNBC, an NBC environmental "correspondent," who as you'll see has an impressive resume as a left-wing activist, openly urged viewers [on the eve of Election Day] to vote for politicians with an environmentalist agenda.
Video (2:18): Real (1.70 MB) and Windows Media (1.42), plus MP3 audio (1.04).
Meterologist Jackie Meretsky was in NYC, reporting live 67 stories up at the "Top of the [NBC] Rock," overlooking Central Park. At 10:12 AM ET, she interviewed Simran Sethi [shown on the right], whom she described as the "brand new environmental correspondent for NBC" and "the greenest person in the organization."
JACKIE MERETSKY: What's your first story [for NBC]?
SIMRAN SETHI: Actually it's for CNBC. I'm key-noting the green conference and I'll do a story on the way green is permeating every aspect of our lives whether it's food or fashion or weather or business. We're understanding that we need to become more environmentally friendly. We have a finite amount of resources and we need to look how our consumption factors into climate change.
MERESTKSY: You can't deny that. Going green, it's something you hear all of the time. How do you get people to act on it?
SETHI: I think what people need to realize is that all environmental issues are local. We have so many opportunities in this day and age to get involved. If what you care about is food, look at local organic food. If you are a fashionista, renewable fibers like bamboo or cotton shirts. Look at hybrid technology. There is room for everyone. And no matter what you are interested in, every person can vote and make sure that in this election, that we really hold our politicians to task and make sure they are bringing this onto their agendas as well.
Sethi went on to get giddy about having had the opportunity to interview Al Gore. You know Al. The guy who complains there's too much balance in the MSM's environmental reporting.
So who is Simran Sethi? The picture that emerges from this bio of the person who NBC chose as its environmental "correspondent" is that of left-wing activist [emphasis added].
Simran Sethi is an award-winning journalist who reports on issues of economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social justice. She is a contributing author to Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy, the companion guide to the PBS series Ethical Markets. Sethi is the host and writer of Sundance Channel's program The Green and is a commentator and consultant for its series Big Ideas for a Small Planet.
She hosts a weekly environmental podcast for TreeHugger.com, the largest environmental website on the internet. Lauded in Vanity Fair's green issue as the environmental “messenger,” Simran recently hosted a forum with Al Gore for MSN.com and has created an audio podcast series for Gore’s non-profit The Alliance for Climate Protection. Sethi has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the Martha Stewart Show, highlighting ways citizens can become more environmentally friendly.
She is the “eco-expert” on the syndicated green home makeover show The EcoZone Project and is the host of Voom HD Network's social series Keep It Green. Simran anchored the news for MTV Asia, created the MTV India news division, and developed programming for the BBC through her production company SHE TV. She holds an MBA in sustainable management from the Presidio School of Management and a BA in Sociology and Women's Studies from Smith College.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Last Ditch Effort of Hippie Generation
November 5, 2007 - 13:18 ET by PawpawNIsn't this all the last ditch effort of the Hippie Generation to make them and everyone FEEL GOOD!! Just like smoking pot, love ins, Peace Corps, etc!!!
msnbc has gone completely
November 5, 2007 - 13:45 ET by bigtimermsnbc has gone completely bonkers...pure insanity.
I could not believe some of the most outrageous lies I have heard this morning along with scare tactics that I quit listening earlier than I normally do with a few segments that I try to catch now and then...
If they keep this up the may lose some viewership, most likely not much, I really do not care either way anymore, but someone that is head of that network should, but we all know they don't with their leftist agenda and all.
Speaking of scare tactics I was watching C-Span this morning and I saw where Ed Markey having some kind of an enviro' hearing, they had kids testifying....kids! I could not believe it, I immediately turned if off after I saw a standing ovation for one gal being introduced...these leftists stop at nothing....(I just heard Rush talking about this and he played a tape of a girl bawling and snibbling about such BS I am glad I clicked it off, I would of been furious, I am sure C-Span has a link to this disgrace for anyone that could stomach it, even I couldn't)...
Know what you mean . .
November 5, 2007 - 13:57 ET by Gat New YorkI was watching the Morning Schmo and they announced it was "Green Week" even though it was too early for St. Patrick's day. Then they said they would show us how to be more environmentally friendly all week.
Do facts matter anymore in the news media?
Hey Gat...I love your
November 5, 2007 - 14:27 ET by bigtimerHey GNY...(oops sorry about the wrong name there)
I love your Mornin' Schmo name....I just gotta' use it when commenting on a post now and then...
Good one friend.
I believe in being
November 5, 2007 - 14:02 ET by ForeverOnTheRightI believe in being environmentally responsible but not an environmental extremeist tree-huger. The REAL environmentalists are those inventing technology that eliminates the creation of polutants, new recycling technology that REALLY addresses being environmentally responsible. Example: fuel cell technology, it eliminates fosil fuel and it's emitions is water. The MSM are lining up with the tree hugers and other environmental nuts.
You Are Right
November 5, 2007 - 14:34 ET by deerjerkydaveYou are exactly right. I find it amazing that the attitudes of these "watermelons" (green on the outside, red on the inside) is such that a sacrifice is required to the gods of global warming in order to appease them. Why does man and nature have to be mutually exclusive? If mankind can come up with the technology to fly a spaceship to the moon we can also build technologies which will allow people to live a comfortable first world lifestyle without a significant impact on the environment or our freedoms. Why is it impossible in the minds of these watermelons, for oil to be extracted from Alaska without significant impact on the environment?
The real answer is a frightening one: the fear mongering over the environment is a ruse designed to scare people into surrendoring their freedoms and powers to politicians.
Seirra Club
November 5, 2007 - 16:39 ET by ForeverOnTheRightA couple of years ago I e-mailed The Seirra Club to see if they funded fuel cell rearch. The answer was no. So in my opinion they are just a political activist club interested in politics and money, oh, and the environment too.
So, "Environmentalist"
November 5, 2007 - 14:11 ET by Chris NormanSo, "Environmentalist" replaces "Progressive", which replaced "Liberal". Got it.
Don't make me shove my carbon footprint up your @$$ !
November 5, 2007 - 14:26 ET by CrashYes by all means go green. Do you realize how much money I can charge by adding the word "green" to my products? CHI CHING! Just like "natural/spring/filtered" bottled water or "organic" foods. When will stupid people ever learn the truth behind truths?
Crash, That was funny. I
November 5, 2007 - 16:46 ET by msh1973Crash,
That was funny. I have always wondered about the "organic" title. Plus the fact that all those products are very expensive. My in-laws are really into the whole "organic" thing, right down to the milk they drink. Whatever.
Today the left is
November 5, 2007 - 14:29 ET by Right2thePointToday the left is applauding Gore who says that the flat earthers should not be allowed on the media with their discredited arguments.
Trying to pull lessons in from the Hillary camp hitting skeptics as neo-truthers about GW and saying don't bash the Gaia geeks at the same time.
Pretty much an admission that your pr campaign has petered out and you aren't gaining any new ground. Like you are in a quagmire with no hope in sight.
Bit of that frustruation thing going on..all we need is a world court ruling of some kind so he can claim someone stole the GW debate.
Consensus on Flat Earth
November 5, 2007 - 14:39 ET by deerjerkydaveAccording to flat-earth lore, there was once a consensus that the earth was flat. Since when did a raise of hands override the scientific method?
The logic behind NBC and
November 5, 2007 - 14:29 ET by midnight cowboyThe logic behind NBC and the enviro-facists of being green makes absolutely no sense.
If you want the planet to be green you need plant life. ie. trees, grass, meadows etc.
What does plants need so survive and thrive? CO2
So in order to be more green we should be pumping out more carbon dioxide, not reducing it. Reducing CO2 reduces the spread of plant life making the planet more brown than green.
Typical no brain libs.
But I also agree with
November 5, 2007 - 14:36 ET by Right2thePointBut I also agree with others here does it really make a hill of beans what MSNBC does unless they really jump the shark on something.
Simply put the are a niche network with a niche following. Those happen you got Kos Kids the HuffPo Glow and the Mike Savage crowd and Coast to Coast AM with wacko host.
Fine they appeal to their niche but it like This Old House only their followers will have interest and thats it. Growth prospects are few even with all the energy they wish to support it with.
Gore made a recent
November 5, 2007 - 14:38 ET by Clear thinkerGore made a recent statement that I cannot get out of my head, and to top it off, Rush played part of the clip today.
Gore said: "there are people that still beleive the earth is flat"
I wonder if he could provide a list of these people?
Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html
Watermelon
November 5, 2007 - 14:44 ET by Mike From CanmoreDeerJerkyDave:
LOVE the watermelon reference!! Thanks
*Argue for your limitations and sure enough you will achieve them.
NBC is NUTS!!!!!!!!!! The Gangreen NUTS!!!
November 5, 2007 - 14:44 ET by Lame CherryFrom what went on this morning to the most strange football game I ever saw during halftime last night, NBC has gone nuts!
I would very much like Newsbusters Mr. Finkelstein to explain how Conservatives can actually complain to the NFL other powerhouse who are being whitewashed with this bilge. I tune into FOOTBALL to watch FOOTBALL. I EXPECT when I watch football that at halftime JOHN MADDEN will be giving his insight along with Kostas........NOT KEITH OLBERMAN or MATT LAUER in some ice pile telling me the world is ending with a bunch of fake science.
Sorry this is about the GANGREEN of this morning, but maybe that is the most fitting title to be coined for these poisonous liars to the human societal body, gangreen, the gang of green. As here am I still steamed on what NBC is attempting to do to the NFL indoctrinating every broadcast with some liberal wacko out take.
When I eat, I want steak from US beef raised by US ranchers cooked over smoldering charcoal fires with US raised veggies and US potatoes.........I do not want to be told lies in meat causes cancer as it is the fricking preservatives and chemicals doing it.....and I do not want to be told eating like an Asian on millet and tofu is "green"......when all that tastes like dung and Asians are little people because all they eat are fricking cattle food which stunts growth.
Thanks for letting me vent as NBC has become the mother in law from hell showing up in my home nagging me about football and beer while she chows down on soybeans watching Oprah.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
LC... I am sure you can
November 5, 2007 - 14:52 ET by bigtimerLC...
I am sure you can tell by my post I agree with yours, but what has me laughing out loud at the moment is your last paragraph.....
Thanks for letting me vent as NBC has become the mother in law from hell showing up in my home nagging me about football and beer while she chows down on soybeans watching Oprah.
Now that is rich....
dull
November 5, 2007 - 15:00 ET by iveseenitallJust saw a quote from Samuel Johnson:
"He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others"
Boy, does this apply to Algore and the rest of the enviro-wackadoodles!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Great line from Johnson --
November 5, 2007 - 15:03 ET by Mark FinkelsteinGreat line from Johnson -- thanks for citing!
UGH!!!
November 5, 2007 - 15:50 ET by slayerwatcherI think I just threw up a little in my mouth. I wish her pink jacket was Pepto Bismol because that was absolutely nauseating.
I like a lot of the tv shows on NBC (i.e.; Heroes, The Office, 30 Rock, etc.), but I may not watch them this week if they're going to push this propaganda on me with each one. I'll guage it by Heroes tonight. I'll be sure to have a bucket ready.
p.s. If any of you haven't seen 30 Rock yet, you should really check it out. Well, maybe not this week because I've already seen the promo and it's got the "green theme" and it's supposed to have David Schwimmer (sp?) and he's just not funny.
I appreciate the
November 5, 2007 - 16:51 ET by fitzfongI appreciate the recommendation of 30 Rock, but I'll have to pass on it. Just the sight of that smug Tina Fey sickens me...and ManBearPig and David Schwimmer this week doesn't exactly sweeten the pot. I'll have to take your word for it, then.
By the way, I love how NBC has gotten so self-absorbed with its cute little inside baseball self references. First, the RCA/GE Building on 30 Rockefeller Center in New York was dubbed "30 Rock"...then they gave us a show by the same name...now they refer to the top story of said building as "Top of the Rock". Like a bunch of stage parents, only they think their little creation is cute or clever.
The Office
November 5, 2007 - 16:54 ET by tater...is about the only thing worth watching on NBC. I have to sit through the Today Show however as I work at an NBC affil. So I get a daily dose of the propaganda.
The Office
November 5, 2007 - 17:00 ET by fitzfongIs it? My wife and I have always been reluctant to try out that show, as we really enjoyed the BBC version and thought that the NBC execution would be stiff.
Oh yeah
November 5, 2007 - 17:05 ET by taterIt can have some questionable parts but the majority of the shows have a good plotline, it is actually funny, and the characters are easy to like. At least that's my opinion.
The American version
November 5, 2007 - 17:13 ET by balboaThe American version started a little rough, but they've really hit their stride in the past couple of years. It's very funny.
I think you'd be surprised at how willing 30 Rock is to making fun of everyone and everything.
If you like the UK (original) version...
November 5, 2007 - 17:18 ET by slayerwatcher...then chances are you'll like the US version. Steve Carell is just as uncomforably hilarious to watch as Ricky Gervais (David Brent) on the UK version. Gervais is also the executive producer for the US version.
Fitzfong...I felt the same way about 30 Rock when it first came out. I eventually saw an episode (not by choice) when I was at a friend's house and he insisted I watch it. I couldn't believe how hard I laughed. Tina Fey plays the typical lib, but always gets smacked down for it. Alec Baldwin (I can't believe I'm going to say this) is actually a comedic genius on this show. My wife hates his guts, but can't help liking him on this show. There was even an episode where he was dating Condi Rice. He kept referring to her as his "lady friend". But alas, I may have to skip it this week because of the Goracle and Schwimmer.
Apologies for derailing this thread.
I have a feeling they're
November 5, 2007 - 17:26 ET by balboaI have a feeling they're going to wonderfully skewer the "green" thing. Did you see that commercial where Gore "senses" that somewhere a whale is in trouble?
}}---> Bal
November 5, 2007 - 17:42 ET by Cool ArrowDid Al realize it was just his stomach growling?
Slayerwatcher, Thanks for
November 5, 2007 - 22:45 ET by fitzfongSlayerwatcher,
Thanks for the tip. I heard that Baldwin was good on this show...and truth be told he's quite a talented actor overall. He's an obnoxious jerk off the set, but he's a solid pro on camera. As for Tina Fey, I've always detested her, I never understood her appeal. She and Jimmy Fallon made Saturday Night Live totally unwatchable...but strangely she kept getting more attention and authority while choking the life out of that show. Perhaps I can watch 30 Rock and mute the sound when she comes on?
Don't watch NBC, don't care
November 5, 2007 - 16:42 ET by msh1973Don't watch NBC, don't care to ever again.
Tell people the price of going green!
November 5, 2007 - 17:18 ET by Ralph Hansen Ph. D.I've found the quickest way to get a reaction from people who insist we have to do something about climate change is to ask how much it should cost. Even a modest climate bill like Lieberman-Warner (which will provide zero environmental benefit) will cost dearly.
Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), the co-author of Lieberman-Warner: "It's hard to imagine that [Lieberman-Warner] will not cost - over time -- these two sectors (electric power and industrial), hundreds of billions of dollars to comply with the demands of this bill."
Americans need to be made to understand it won't be industrial sectors paying these "hundreds of billions." These costs will be passed on to you and me in the form of higher electric bills and steep increases in the cost of goods and services.
That's what people need to know about global warming.
- Consensus is what you look for when you don’t have the facts - Brit Hume, FOX News
Well we now see that MSNBC
November 5, 2007 - 21:00 ET by Airforce_5_OWell we now see that MSNBC and NBC are what we have suspected. THEY ARE LIBERAL!
The only thing you should feel when shooting insurgents is the rifle recoil.