"Thank God for blogs," said White House Press Secretary Tony Snow this afternoon, commenting on the Bush administration's communications efforts. The comment came in the course of a conference call for bloggers conducted this afternoon by Snow and Brett McGurk [pictured here], the National Security Council's Director for Iraq, giving a preview of President Bush's speech of tonight on Iraq. I had the opportunity to participate on behalf on NewsBusters.
Snow described the problem with the traditional media - generously I would say - not in terms of bias but as a function of the "if it bleeds it leads" tendency.
Snow indicated that he reads the blogs represented in the conference call. It's clear that the White House views blogs, NewsBusters among them, as
playing an important role in cutting through the MSM clutter. Snow also described the frustration of military people in Iraq with media coverage that does not comport with the reality they experience in the field. Snow predicted that service people would begin using their own video cameras and sites such as YouTube and LiveLeak to get the word out. Along those lines, I can say that one of the most empowering aspects of my recent trip to Iraq was the ability to put video up on NewsBusters, at times within an hour of events in the field, as with this report on a training exercise of Iraqi soldiers on the Euphrates river in Anbar province. Among the encouraging details emerging from the conference call:
- Combined Iraqi and US forces will remain in Baghdad neighborhoods "24/7" once they had been pacified, to ensure that security gains would be enduring.
- Iraqi forces are expected to assume primary security responsibility in all of Iraq's 18 provinces by November, 2007.
Mark was in Iraq in November. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Rock on!
January 10, 2007 - 18:12 ET by mattmRock on!
Cutting throught the MSM &quo
January 11, 2007 - 14:06 ET by TruthMongerCutting throught the MSM "clutter?"
We call it "bald-faced left-wing lying BS smear-tactics/dis-informationally appalling abuse of priveledge/inexcusable dis-service to the American people and probably treason warranting the death penalty..."
All right you can call it clutter once in a while : )!
I'll almost put money on it t
January 10, 2007 - 18:13 ET by Nathan R MII'll almost put money on it that the left wingers will be against this new plan. Hell they already are against a raise in troops when a few weeks ago they were the ones suggesting it. One even called to the draft to be re-instated. Its funny how no liberal can seem to remember that now.
Are you allowed to be that fat and gay? - Random TV Quote
I had a "new Media"
January 10, 2007 - 18:15 ET by JayTeeI had a "new Media" experience just yesterday. I received the "Denver Snow - but no one is asking for help" comparison to Hurricane Katrina in my Personal E-mail in the morning..then, I saw it posted on News Busters later that day...followed by hearing about the same on Hannity on the Radio on the way home. So, without buying a newspaper, watching TV, I received infomation from E-mail/Blogs/radio news, that was interesting and entertaining (which is what the media should be all about).
Who needs newspapers ? Who needs ABC news ? The important stuff you can find (NFL.com) or it will come via your friends/E-mail, or you can listen for it on the Radio.
So long NYT, ABC, etc.....you're going extinct before the Polar Bears go...because I don't find you interesting, or particularly entertaining(excluding the bias reason)
It's a fact, Jack.
I hate to break it to you,
January 10, 2007 - 19:16 ET by blogonatorI hate to break it to you, but the sources you mention - emails, blogs, radio - have to get their information from somewhere, namely the MSM. You are getting your news through filters that give you the news you want to hear. I've mentioned it before, the MSM will continue to exist so long as bloggers are using them as sources rathing than leaving their keyboards to investigate stories of their own.
Also, there is no Santa Claus.
So, I'm having a hard time see why the dripping sarcasm.
January 10, 2007 - 19:25 ET by acaiguanaSo, I'm having a hard time see why the dripping sarcasm.
The assumption would be that the MSM actually reports what is really happening. I have a friend in Oaxaca, Mexico, for example, who spent the time during the recent 'troubles' there.
Verified by another person who independently (I don't even think they know each other), these folks continued to report amazement at what was written in the MSM and spoken in the MSM at all levels because it had zero, zilch, nada bearing on what actually was going on in Oaxaca. The MSM didn't understand the background and history of Teacher's protests every year for the past 35 years or so about their pay (it is almost a traditional ritual for one to three weeks) and how that protest was assaulted and overthrown and seized by Chavez paid thugs to disrupt Mexican politics at the National level.
Nowhere in the MSM did they identify why one American would be shot and killed out of all the thousands of people who were there and the death toll from violence was (off top of head here) I think, less than 10 people and maybe less than 5.
So, your point would be? That our poster above is 'stupid' to think he can get enough news from the sources he cites? That bloggers are lazy and also stupid? That bloggers don't have a role in discovering the outlandish fraud that the AP has proven itself to have become? That cute sign off about no 'Santa Claus' made you feel real superior there, didn't it.
I'd like to see you go toe to toe with me on this issue.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
I'll admit that the occassion
January 10, 2007 - 20:54 ET by blogonatorI'll admit that the occassional blog breaks an exclusive, but most blogs out there on all bands of the political spectrum are either commenting on news from MSM, writing a brief rehash of a story reported by the MSM, or just plain aggregating msm stories and linking to them (like 90% of Drudge). Tell me how many of the millions of blogs in the world would be worth putting a financial investment in because of their exclusive news coverage where they are in no way referencing msm sources.
Frankly, I don't see why bloggers, conservative and liberal, who claim to be for unbiased news coverage aren't embracing something like Wikinews.org, where everyone can contribute, and everything is very transparent.
Wikinews
January 10, 2007 - 21:00 ET by Blonde"Embracing Wikinews.org"
Whatever....
You are missing the entire point.
"Whatever" Great
January 10, 2007 - 21:47 ET by blogonator"Whatever" Great response. Missing the point? What, in creating an unbiased alternative to the msm? Or is it more productive to bitch about Rosie O'Donell and Katie Couric than proactively reporting the news and changing things for the better?
The evolving Internet.
January 10, 2007 - 21:37 ET by acaiguanaThe evolving Internet.
My point would be simply that the Internet is still evolving and the juxtaposing of blogs and the MSM machine is wrapping fish in an old package. When the CRT came out on the desktop, managers kept insisting on seeing the information in the same format as the paper it was replacing. This was a restriction on the data itself and drew attention away from the management, manipulation and analysis of the data and stifled innovative presentations of same as in graphs, comparisons and the application of mathematical models to the data that were never possible when looking at the original paper format.
All the above verbage is only to show historically the changes wrought over time by the perception of the use of the Internet and computing power.
We cannot predict exactly how hand-held phone/internet/messaging will impact the presentation or reporting of events in the world. It may be that the MSM is already lost out as individuals directly involved in events, such as shootings, wars, debates, hangings, etc., record what happens with no 'analysis' in between.
What I'd like to see as a blogger is a return to old fashoned reporting. Who, what, where, when, how and why. The why being last and not being a child like ignorant explanation of economics, for example. Let me give you a direct example.
John Smith was killed in a single car accident last night when he lost control and ran into a brick wall. He was drunk.
He was drunk isn't an opinion of why it is why.
I'll take Drudge's links because to me it is a comprehensive (pretty much) index to a lot of information. Most of the wire services domestic and foreign, a lot of opinion writers, a few highlighted stories (all of which you can generally get at the end of the first one you choose in a list of 'related' or 'other' news).
But it is still MSM. I'm cogent enough to know that. Therefore I'm cogent enough to decide its validity or relevance.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Interesting, ACA.(BTW....you
January 10, 2007 - 21:46 ET by BlondeInteresting, ACA.
(BTW....you must go to your room for using the word "juxtaposition").
Technology is ourpacing our (when I say our...I mean a more than semi-illiterate user) ability to keep up.
I'd venture a guess that the "news" in five years will be so much more unimaginable than we can possibly fathom right now.
It's an instantaneous news age. Why "buy" our news through a filtered source? I don't ....I know you don't.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the rest of America catches on. Which they must, sooner or later.
Seriously, how can they not? Or am I underestimating the average American?
The computer desktop anecdo
January 10, 2007 - 22:02 ET by blogonatorThe computer desktop anecdote was interesting and apt. But here is another: when radio was first invented everyone believed it would revolutionize the world in ways that it didn't. People believed it might actually put universities out of business, as people would take class lectures over the radio. People believed it would be a great equalizing device that would empower everyone with information. When TV came out, people thought the same. Sound familiar? The internet has garnered the same hopes, but much of its potential has been squandered on porn, MySpace, and things that waste our time. In fact, every great technology goes through a period of exhilaration, hopes & dreams, reality setting in, and then the technology locking into its place in society. This usually happens over a 15 year span. I'm still waiting on my flying car.
You are discounting Moore's law.
January 10, 2007 - 22:06 ET by acaiguanaYou are discounting Moore's law.
Further, TV and Radio are single point to many transmission receivers and not interactive devices. Further, you cannot program your TV or Radio to do a regression analysis.
Further, you discount the camera technology that is now embedded in everything.
Further, your static examples are not relevant to the MSM's delimma when it comes to their propensity to 'influence' public opinion as public opinion is now centered about MySpace stuff.
People, as it turns out, have an incredible lot of time to waste on silly stuff.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
You are serously mistaken.Rad
January 10, 2007 - 22:08 ET by BlondeYou are serously mistaken.
Radio changed the world. Instead of weeks and months waiting for news....almost (note that word) almost instantaneous transmission of news.
Radio was the beginning of the information age.
As for squandering (your word)....choose your sites, blogonator. If you choose porn, etc....too bad for you.
The computer (and the internet) is the most liberating invention ever. It has been responsible for our unprecedented economic growth. And the growth of knowledge. Name me ONE thing you can't find on the internet.
As to your flying car.....stay off your roof, dude.
Gee, I think Bloginator is tr
January 11, 2007 - 10:26 ET by JayTeeGee, I think Bloginator is trying to change this Blog.......Radio changed the world, and continues to this day, it was working on radio's in Afghanastan, when a few soldiers called in an Airstrike to wipe out a bunch of Terroists in a Convoy ....on their way to teach the Afghans in the town a lesson.
Radio won the day....... It's a great technology, that continues to evolve. Mr. Savage doesn't need no stinking TV.
You do make a very good point
January 11, 2007 - 10:26 ET by The Real TonyYou do make a very good point, blogonator but I feel I must comment on one aspect of it, as I'm sure that aca will handle the rest.
If you do some research, there was great faith in radio and television that it would be a great distribution of information, which, for better or worse, they are. But what was telling was your comment about the idea that they would put universities out of business. There was that concern but it was effectively squashed by the infancy of teachers' unions and 'tenure.' Once these were in place, they assured that nothing would put the universities out of business. Even now with the internet and the advance of "online universities" you can't get away from going down to a campus for part of your education, even with full interactive classes.
They have ensured that by removing/limiting/questioning accreditation and forcing a stigma on "online degrees" regardless of the body of work, the legitimacy and investigation of the school and on how much knowledge the individual has and can exhibit.
Once again, a new technology stymied.
Fight Terrorism at home - defeat a liberal!
Isn't this item counter-evi
January 10, 2007 - 19:26 ET by Mark FinkelsteinIsn't this item counter-evidence to your argument? No MSM filter here - the other bloggers and I got information directly from Tony Snow and the NSC's Iraq director and were able to pose questions. I did also go to Iraq and reported my own findings.
Mark,And thank you for that.I
January 10, 2007 - 19:29 ET by BlondeMark,
And thank you for that.
I wonder where this poster thinks the writers of the Milblogs are.....Kansas?
Not the ones I read.
You have to admit though th
January 10, 2007 - 20:58 ET by blogonatorYou have to admit though that, in this case, this story came to you. You were a participant in the story. And, as far as exclusives go, this isn't exactly Rathergate.
Mark, thanks to you and all
January 10, 2007 - 18:20 ET by rimskyMark, thanks to you and all the NB Editors and Writers for all you do. I've never felt more informed and in touch with reality as I do when I'm reading and commenting on NB. Thanks again.. keep on keepin' on.
And Thanks to Tony Snow for recognizing NB and all the other conservative blogs that tell it like it is!
Many thanks. Your comment
January 10, 2007 - 18:24 ET by Mark FinkelsteinMany thanks. Your comment is important to us at NB - it's exactly why we do what we do. And yes, it really does show that we are entering into a new media age when Tony Snow invites pajamahadeen like us to participate in a conference call such as this!
Mark, you have earned your ku
January 10, 2007 - 18:57 ET by CaringwhiteguyMark, you have earned your kudos. This site keeps many informed and many involved.
As well he should - just hope
January 10, 2007 - 19:56 ET by FastEdAs well he should - just hope the "PAJAMAhadeen" were cowboys, soldiers, or some such, and not bunnies or flowers. ;^} And I add my thanks to Blonde's and rimsky, don't get that kind of info from the BIG guns, just the honest ones.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
There are all sorts of sites
January 10, 2007 - 18:29 ET by BlondeThere are all sorts of sites available for people who wish to find out what is happening in Iraq.
Theres a terrific milblog...Blackfive....which is somewhat like NB in that there are a multitude of spot-on bloggers on the site. The comments, as they are here, are pretty insightful.
They had a very interesting one the other day about the appointment of the new CENTCOM (Fox Fallon, a Navy Guy) and the new commander in Iraq (LTG Petreaeus). The comments by the posters (many active duty guys/gals) are extremely enlightening. After reading the comments and links on this particular thread, I think the President is preparing to go long (think Iran) with his new appointments, and going big with the "surge". We shall see.
They even have their own haysie over there....some German broad Iris, who makes our own hayse sweet by comparison. Go figure.
Check it out.
Blonde, As you point out, you
January 10, 2007 - 18:36 ET by JayTeeBlonde, As you point out, you don't have to let the Traditional Media do your thinking for you anymore, nor do you have to limit yourself to what's important based upon what the NYT and NBC's of the world decide that is so Important that you should hear it via their Bias'ed view. You can go get it yourself.
And yet, "Air America" doesn't survive in the NEW MEDIA ? ? That's somewhat confusing....I don't like (didn't like) listening to it, but I thought they had a market.....the same market as the NYT ? strange contradiction.
JT,Who care's about Air Ameri
January 10, 2007 - 18:40 ET by BlondeJT,
Who care's about Air America? It failed because the audience didn't care for its product. And I'm not so sure AirAmerica could fairly be construed as "New Media". Further, the NYT's circulation is doing clockwise circles down the drain.
The internet is the new media. Voluntary participation on all sides. Which is what makes it so cool.
Hey, Blonde, that's the solution to the NYT's problem.
January 10, 2007 - 19:04 ET by acaiguanaHey, Blonde, that's the solution to the NYT's problem.
The Southern Hemisphere.
The toilet goes counterclockwise there, right? Maybe it'll regurgitate all the...
Nope...
"What?"
"OK, Mom, taking rocket science toys, going back to basement."
Geez, I get out for an hour sometimes.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Maybe Mom will buy you some P
January 10, 2007 - 19:07 ET by BlondeMaybe Mom will buy you some PVC, joints, glue, etc.
Then you can have plumbing toys to take to the basement.
Just put in a brand new kitchen (Jan 7,8,9,10th).
January 10, 2007 - 19:16 ET by acaiguanaJust put in a brand new kitchen (Jan 7,8,9,10th).
I don't want to talk about it (remember that joke?).
But a hint would be that I'm up to my hips with PVC, glue and sandpaper.
And I hired it done!
Long long story.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
ACA
January 10, 2007 - 19:27 ET by BlondeOh, now I am laughing out loud, Rocket Science Boy!
Don't forget this one, Multi-
January 10, 2007 - 19:36 ET by FastEdDon't forget this one, Multi-National Force, has the good and the bad, what the msm (Lsm) SHOULD do. Just for fun, THIS you won't see from the loser media.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
"Snow predicted that ser
January 10, 2007 - 18:49 ET by j. frank wilson"Snow predicted that service people would begin using their own video cameras..." I thought after that messy prison thing the US Military banned "private" cameras in war zones.
Prediction: Posting on YouTube or LiveLeak will be great until something very negative pops up - and that will be the end of it.
Thinking was never your stron
January 10, 2007 - 23:49 ET by Dan The Man 2Thinking was never your strong suit was it.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark. -- save my gun, shoot a liberal.
Regarding blogging by AD US M
January 10, 2007 - 19:00 ET by j. frank wilsonRegarding blogging by AD US Military, we already have:
http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/
Puh-leeze. That's a fake milb
January 10, 2007 - 19:28 ET by Mr. KafirPuh-leeze. That's a fake milblog dumbass.
Fake? What's fake about it?
January 10, 2007 - 22:42 ET by j. frank wilsonFake? What's fake about it? The posts are made up? It's not snowing in Iraq? They're not growing weed in Afghanistan that looks like Christmas trees?
How about Men in Black? Or Soldiers for Truth?
Not agreeing with it doesn't make it not true - unless you're talking about Santa Claus.
It does not reflect my views.
January 10, 2007 - 20:39 ET by BDIt does not reflect my views......
milblogs
January 10, 2007 - 20:41 ET by BlondeBD,
Do you have any blogs you'd recommend?
Micheal Yon had a pretty good
January 10, 2007 - 20:57 ET by BDMicheal Yon had a pretty good one.
Military .com also pushes a decent set of boards. Poseurs are unmasked pretty quickly.
http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=cfrm&s=78919038
Blogs and source evaluation
January 10, 2007 - 21:17 ET by UnsaneI think I'll take BD's advice on military bloggers. After all, HE is active duty. You, on the other hand, are much too spoiled to consider fighting for your freedoms.
Not to mention your source evaluation skills are sorely lacking.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
I've noticed that liberal b
January 10, 2007 - 19:22 ET by WolfremI've noticed that liberal bias and propoganda is not limited to newspapers and news shows here in the United States. I check the British media daily at the Sky News website (England's version of Fox News).
Among the various articles and links, there is a link close to the bottom of the page that shows the daily headlines of British newspapers. One would think that they take their leads from NYT's talking points. And of course, the BBC is clearly anti-American.
"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." - George Santayana
How do I get a list of which
January 10, 2007 - 19:32 ET by Mr. KafirHow do I get a list of which blogs were represented in the conference call???
Leftists do believe in Santa
January 10, 2007 - 21:12 ET by UnsaneAre you kidding? Leftists are the biggest believers in Santa that there can be! Leftists see government as a great big Santa, there to dispense "free" goodies to all the men and women out there, while punishing those naughty adults that have the audacity to succeed and get ahead in the world.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???" - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Blogs Rule, MSM Withering Away
January 10, 2007 - 22:01 ET by emjem24Thank God for blogs like Newsbusters. I felt like I was the only Conservative Republican rattling in the wind and it's refreshing and heart-warming to know I have a community to turn to and that same community can cut through the nonsense and the blather that's not only in the heads of the MSM but the American public as well. I say, let's not only challenge the MSM but all the other dirtbag, treaty-hungry, terrorist pacifiers (our fellow Americans who voted for the Democrats to destroy our country) who have given up on the military and on our country in general. Blogs are the only way to cut a swathe through the garbage.
The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer. Air Force Motto
Okay, now.We have read all of
January 10, 2007 - 22:36 ET by BlondeOkay, now.
We have read all of the "woo hoo" over B. Hussein Obama....and all kinds of other silly stuff. Big ears in a bathing suit? Please...spare me.
So, I get to post my opinion. You guys can go off, if you will.......
Tony Snow and Brett McGurk are two extremely sexy and intriguing men!
All the dems can keep their so-called "whatever it is they're calling the ugly little trolls to try to make them beautiful rhetoric".
These two men are MEN.
Nuff said.
P.S. Sorry Darth!
Night all.
January 10, 2007 - 22:44 ET by acaiguanaNight all.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Night Darth! ;-)
January 10, 2007 - 22:55 ET by BlondeNight Darth! ;-)
Mark,Thank you for all you an
January 10, 2007 - 22:56 ET by bigtimerMark,
Thank you for all you and all here at NB have done. I am so tickled that you got to go to this meeting, that NB's is mentioned and that the blogs matter and people in this administration listen...most of all, the trip to Iraq and your safe return.
The speech the President made to tonight was very significant...I wonder how many people really listened and understood it...it is sad to me what some in this country want and expect, instant gratification, let alone unrealistic goals.
Thank you all in the military, stay safe, stay strong...there is a silent majority out here.
Go Snow Go!
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
Snow described the problem wi
January 11, 2007 - 10:56 ET by Dave HighSnow described the problem with the traditional media - generously I would say - not in terms of bias but as a function of the "if it bleeds it leads" tendency.”
Whoa, hold on here a moment, fellow GhostBusters! Aren’t Snow’s remarks sort of a back-handed insult? I thought this entire site was dedicated to “Exposing and Combating Liberal Media Bias,” but even Tony Snow doesn’t see it that way. Strangely, Snow agrees with me; that the media is biased in terms of sensationalism and airing that which will gain ratings, not on a liberal vs. conservative skew (Faux News excluded). Faux goes for a conservative skew and sensationalism.
Well then, I suppose it’s time to fold your hands and shut down the site then, eh? If Tony Snow doesn’t support your mission, who does? It’s time to stop tilting at ghosts.
Regards,
Dave High
Dave's High.
January 11, 2007 - 10:59 ET by JimboDave's High.
Um, Dave, you cherry picked o
January 11, 2007 - 11:12 ET by dscottUm, Dave, you cherry picked on the high lighting. The previous 4 words answered your claim. We all understand that Tony is being gracious and political in his characterizations of the MSM. Here's a hint for you "generous(ly)" is code for understatement. No one is buying your silly argument. Try again with something more intelligent.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
Dave is proof that the Libera
January 11, 2007 - 11:52 ET by JayTeeDave is proof that the Liberals are blind to the Liberal Bias.
Anyone see/watch Hussein Obama reply to the pres. speech last nite ?....I couldn't believe he was already so smart, he is the front man for reply to the pres.
Oh, the mainstream media is
January 11, 2007 - 12:20 ET by sembyThat was a nice bit of relief
January 11, 2007 - 12:25 ET by kathleenirishThat was a nice bit of relief. Good one!
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
I'm Irish too!
January 11, 2007 - 12:38 ET by sembyI'm Irish too!