"Virtually every novelist in America fantasizes about being picked to appear on Oprah Winfrey's talk show. But now an increasing number of writers have discovered a new champion: Glenn Beck."
Hold onto your seats, for that's not a quote from the National Review or the Weekly Standard.
It's actually the opening paragraph of an absolutely glowing piece about Beck's impact on the book industry published Thursday by -- drum roll please -- the New York Times (h/t Mediaite):
On his radio show and cable television programs, first on CNN Headline News and now on the Fox News Channel, Mr. Beck has enthusiastically endorsed dozens of novelists, a majority of them writing in the thriller genre. Mr. Beck, who now attracts 9 million weekly listeners on radio and 2.7 million daily viewers on television, often selects authors whose plots or characters reflect political stances that mirror his own. But he also promotes the work of authors who may disagree with many of his views.
“He’s our Oprah,” said Brad Thor, a writer of political thrillers who has appeared on Mr. Beck’s radio and television programs several times. “God love him, we’re very fortunate.” [...]
According to Seale Ballenger, a publicist for William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins that released “The Doomsday Key,” the novel remained in the Top 10 of the New York Times hardcover fiction best-seller list longer than typical for its type. “It was totally driven by Glenn Beck,” Mr. Ballenger said.
Fascinating. And authors apparently love the opportunity to discuss their work with Beck:
When Mr. Beck interviews authors, he gives brief endorsements of the novels, but then tends to pick out a few issues — often relating to current events — to discuss. Authors welcome the chance to talk about the meat of their books.
“He doesn’t have me on to talk about the great sex scene in Chapter 34,” said Brad Meltzer, a thriller writer who extensively researches his novels. “He has me on to talk about the great access I’ve had to former presidents and the research that I do.”
Must have been hard for a Times author to write such praise for Beck...and probably tougher for Oprah to read a comparison between herself and the conservative talker.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
In my case
November 5, 2009 - 09:51 ET by legacyrepublicanIn my case, my wife bought the Vince Flynn series because of hearing Rush talk about it.
Should I keep her away from Glenn now??!! ;] /ROFL
this sudden attention
November 5, 2009 - 10:06 ET by TruthMongerthis sudden attention towards reality seems fishy to me - these drive bys are up to something here
A disturbing trend?
November 5, 2009 - 10:25 ET by nadadhimmiThe Old York Times has published a few articles lately that have disturbed me. These are not in the usual biased beyond credibility vein. They are actually at least fairly well balanced and factual. Dammit, I want them to continue their biased agenda until they are COMPLETLY out of business. They should not regain even a SHRED of credibility. Come on guys, return to the groundless cries of hatred and racism against anyone that disagrees with you.
Our Oprah
November 5, 2009 - 11:23 ET by slickwillie2001Re "He's Our Oprah", I am offended by that characterization. Are we saying that Glenn Beck has promoted plagiarists?
...or is this perhaps a
November 5, 2009 - 11:53 ET by TruthMonger...or is this perhaps a "curious george" sort of comment...? Are they saying Beck looks like A MONKEY!!
New York Times subscriptions
November 5, 2009 - 11:44 ET by serious1would go thru the roof if they would put an equal number of Lib and Con editorialists on there staff and let them have at it. We would get some unbiased info that might just sell newspapers. It's hard to believe that a Co. in such a hole would instead ask for a bigger shovel. Maybe just maybe they see the light and are trying to right this ship and patch the holes. But alas don't get your hopes up just yet.
Disclosure: I dont hold any NYT stock nor am I a subsriber to the NYT (yet)
Knuckle draggers
November 5, 2009 - 15:42 ET by Jerry MackIs it really possible that the NYT has discovered that us knuck draggers actually read? The real revelation will be when they acknowledge that we do not consider Oprah and The View a news source.
CAVEMEN...
November 5, 2009 - 17:54 ET by danybhoyAs a knuckle dragger, I will say that I enjoy audio-books much more then reading. It's great when the author actually reads the book. The likes of Coulter, O'Rielly, & Beck do read theirs, Mark Levin & Mark Steyne do not, & that disappoints me to some extent.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Beck
November 5, 2009 - 16:30 ET by irishguyOne of the blogs I frequent is a book review site which is moderated by a huge Lib. They've trashed GB's books before. I sent a link with his beloved NYT actually saying nice things about Beck. I wish I could be there to see the reaction.