National Public Radio media reporter David Folkenflik has done a very unusual thing: brought the king of commercial talk-radio to the 700-plus affiliates of NPR. As part of a series on their evening show All Things Considered on "Crossing the Divide," Folkenflik profiled Limbaugh as an example of someone who declares he has no interest in compromise. Limbaugh was rebutted, in part, by radio/TV talker Glenn Beck, who worried about divisive talk radio: "I truly believe it's going to be the death of us. It's going to be the death of our industry, and the death of our country, if we don't stop dividing ourselves like this. It's not right." Later, he seems to contradict that a bit.
Folkenflik also relied on to former L.A. Times/Newsweek reporter Tom Rosenstiel, the usual Chairman of the Mainstream Media Party (with the Project for Excellence in Journalism), who unfolded the old smear that talk-radio hosts have no interest in accuracy, unlike the more professional guardians of the public interest in the liberal media elite:
Rosenstiel: "Setting aside the question of whether journalists always achieve their goal of sort of being fair and unbiased, if you get a fact wrong, you pay a cost in the news business."
Folkenflik: "And Rosenstiel says talk radio hosts pay little price — because accuracy is not their goal."
Rosenstiel: "They're not there entirely to elevate or energize the public conversation. They are also often members of a team. They're in that nether world between entertainment, propaganda and journalism."
Yes, Janet Cooke, Mary Mapes, Peter Arnett, they all were "elevating and energizing" public discourse as they lied to their audience and called it "objective news." Those journalists paid a price, but not every damaging (if less flagrantly) inaccurate story makes journalists "pay a price." It would also be difficult to argue that partisan figures in the "objective" media aren't giving the appearance of being "members of a team," especially when (like George Stephanopoulos) they used to be actual members of a governing team.
Anyway, Folkenflik gave Limbaugh his say, and larger sections of Limbaugh's interviews are there to be heard on the website. If they wanted more conservative traffic to NPR.org, this isn't a bad place to start.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center
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Comments Policy
All this sanctimonious blathe
January 26, 2007 - 12:46 ET by Chris NormanAll this sanctimonious blather about objective/accurate reporting versus the unaccountable inaccuracy from talk radio. What a sham, a hoax, a con game. How can these people say this stuff without bursting into laughter?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris: Because they want to c
January 26, 2007 - 12:56 ET by Mica the MagnificentChris: Because they want to convince the masses that government intervention is necessary . . .for the children!
I'm broadcasting live from Lakehurst New Jersey and Rosie is about to land . . . . they have a grip on her guidewires . . there's a sudden burst of wind and . . Oh no! Get out of the way ! . . .get out of the way! . . oh, ladies and gentlemen something terrible has happened, . .the explosion . .oh, the humanity! -- When Rosie lands in Jersey
mica,Vicious attacks I can st
January 26, 2007 - 13:05 ET by Chris Normanmica,
Vicious attacks I can stand. It's this phony piety I can't stomach...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
...what exactly is this "
January 26, 2007 - 13:31 ET by TruthMonger...what exactly is this "price" the MSM is paying for it's "innacuracies" again?!?!?!?
Rush Limbuagh and right wing radio have been run through the absolute ringer for EVERYTHING they say - and what's more the bastard critics of our right-wing talk radio medium usually LIE AND MAKE UP QUOTES THAT RUSH AND COMPANY NEVER EVEN SAY...
All the while the MSM is DELIBERATELY LYING ABOUT EVERYTHING EVERY DAY AND THEY GET AWAY WITH IT VIRTUALLY SCOTT FREE...
Their pay off is more Democra
January 26, 2007 - 13:41 ET by Chris NormanTheir pay off is more Democrats getting elected...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
And by the way, shame on Glen
January 26, 2007 - 12:53 ET by Chris NormanAnd by the way, shame on Glenn Beck. Is he going to be one of these "small c" conservatives, who are embarassed to be mentioned with those whom the MSM calls the "fringe right"? If so, I see him drifting the way of Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
I listen to Glenn Beck so I
January 26, 2007 - 13:06 ET by Conservative VoiceI listen to Glenn Beck so I will do my best to describe his position. First he doesn't think people having different opinions will be the death of the country, but rather party loyalty. He is tired of party politics. The example he said yesterday he could find something in common with Michael Moore...namely those in politics should voice what they mean and stand by it (instead of making a non-binding agreement about the war). If a person truely believes liberalism is the best for America then they should voice that opinion and live it. He considers moderates to be wishy washy and that is not good for America. (Rush Limbaugh has said just as much). Where they differ is Glenn thinks that after all is said and done we should find where we agree and go there. Rush tends to just want Republicans to grow a spine and fight back instead of out democrating the democrats.
In a perfect world, it would
January 26, 2007 - 13:11 ET by Chris NormanIn a perfect world, it would be nice to find common ground - if there was any. However, when we find ourselves not being able to even agree on just who our enemies in the world are, then I find Mr. Beck to be naive. He sounds like he is a conservative who is tailor-made for CNN. I hope he proves me wrong.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Actually it is my belief th
January 26, 2007 - 13:25 ET by Conservative VoiceActually it is my belief that most liberals are conservative without logic. We both want the same thing (usually) but conservatives tend to put their faith in God and freedom and liberals tend to put their faith in socialism. Take the war on Iraq. Both agree that we don't want more soldiers to die. Where we differ is they think retreat will save more lives. Conservatives using logic realize where the greatest casualties occur is when you are attacked from behind (because you are too busy running away).
Looking at social issues, liberals think Gays need respect and therefore should be allowed to have Gay marriage. Conservatives also want people to respect one another, but using logic realize respect is earned and not given by passing around a marriage label or passing hate crime bills. They believe that everyone should be the same under the law.
I made this comment yesterday
January 26, 2007 - 13:30 ET by Chris NormanI made this comment yesterday. I think it applies here.
...as in most debates, the Democrats remind me of two people going on a road trip and discussing travel plans. The Democrat wants to take the longest, most expensive route to reach a destination, that has no guarantee the road goes through and actually might go off a cliff. The Republican wants to take the best route, that's shorter, much less expensive, and has proved to reach the destination. The Democrat accuses the Republican of not wanting to go there at all and stomps away...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Hence the Interstate Highway
January 26, 2007 - 14:00 ET by FastEdHence the Interstate Highway System - Ike wanted it and the Dems made sure Hawaii had one too.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
when are they going to fini
January 26, 2007 - 14:07 ET by Conservative Voicewhen are they going to finish that highway from Hawaii and California and Hawaii and Alaska? lol It would be cool living in one of those gas station towns between here and there ;)
CV...It would be good opportu
January 26, 2007 - 14:13 ET by Clear thinkerCV...
It would be good opportunity to open a chain of truckstops along that route ; )
Get your kicks on Route Flo
January 26, 2007 - 14:19 ET by Conservative VoiceGet your kicks on Route Floating Sticks
Just like you conservative ca
January 26, 2007 - 14:24 ET by Chris NormanJust like you conservative capitalist pigs. You want to exploit Interstate H2O for your own gain. Don't you know that your truck stops will all be submerged due to Global Warming?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
. . I'm glad the interstate
January 26, 2007 - 14:21 ET by Mica the Magnificent. . I'm glad the interstate between California and Hawaii wasn't finished during the O.J. low-speed Bronco chase. It'd still be going on.
CN,I agree with you. GB is
January 26, 2007 - 13:52 ET by alcatrazCN,
I agree with you. GB is not stupid, he knows who's putting food on his table. Remember who he works for...He's not going to rock the boat.
have you watched his show o
January 26, 2007 - 14:03 ET by Conservative Voicehave you watched his show or listened to his radio program? He has not changed his program since being on CNN, which leads me to believe you don't know what you are talking about.
cv,I've watched his show. I d
January 26, 2007 - 14:12 ET by Chris NormanCV,
I've watched his show. I didn't find it objectionable. I used to enjoy watching Scarborough when he first started. Look, if Beck's a conservative voice - great. It's when he starts "worrying" about his medium being "divisive" (a liberal buzz word if there ever was one) - taken out of context or not - my brows go up. Like I said, I hope I'm wrong...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris, I know where you are
January 26, 2007 - 14:25 ET by Conservative VoiceChris, I know where you are coming from, I was responding to the post above mine who was making the claim Glenn has sold his soul to CNN
In Glenns defense, he talked
January 26, 2007 - 13:07 ET by bassndudeIn Glenns defense, he talked about this on his show this morning. Seems that everything that NPR used was taken out of context, (Suprise!!! Its NPR!!!!), edited, cut, and spliced to attack talk radio.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
I hope that's the case. I'm a
January 26, 2007 - 13:14 ET by Chris NormanI hope that's the case. I'm always suspicious of a Conservative who is allowed a show on either CNN or MSNBC.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Just goes to show that when y
January 26, 2007 - 13:47 ET by BufordJust goes to show that when you sleep with dogs (not certain caravan dogs), you end up with fleas. When it was announced that Glenn was going to be on "That" network I was concerned.
Hey, my dogs all wear flea co
January 26, 2007 - 14:20 ET by Chris NormanHey, my dogs all wear flea collars. :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Wow. That's gotta be a pret
January 26, 2007 - 14:36 ET by RunningBeerWow. That's gotta be a pretty tight fit!
"Hey, my dogs all wear f
January 26, 2007 - 16:55 ET by Buford"Hey, my dogs all wear flea collars. :)"
Hence my comment about some caravan dogs. Never would I suggest that your dogs "ain't worth lying with Chris.
It's these damnable camels th
January 26, 2007 - 16:59 ET by Chris NormanIt's these damned stinky camels that are killing me!
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris - you may have accident
January 26, 2007 - 13:27 ET by FastEdChris - you may have accidentially uncovered a liberal plot to take over the country. I've wondered, for some time, why some 'journalists' would switch their alignment, always from the right to the left. You never see, or very, very rarely, a lefty come over to the bright side. I think I have it figure out. It's a combination of drugs and hypnosis.
Make-up used at TV stations must be infused with gene altering embryonic stem cell (hence the liberal mantra for more embryo research money) combined with the lights used in the studio, causes a photo-chemical reaction that alters the "right" gene into a "left" gene. Now, I figure that this is not a long lasting effect, hence the need for the camera induced hypnosis. With dyed in the wool leftists wispering in their ears, and staring at the camera, for days on end, the combination of short term gene alteration and the hypnosis, creates a left leaning "journalist".
More research is needed, and I think that the drug used is a french knock-off of Lefticin. It may be a relative of Ricin, poisoning and altering the targeted gene.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Ed - Whatever it is, it's thi
January 26, 2007 - 13:32 ET by Chris NormanEd - Whatever it is, it's thick in the air of the studios of MSNBC and CNN...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Fringe Right
January 26, 2007 - 17:40 ET by thefirstjustinI view it this way, if the far left calls me fringe right and they are ruffled by my stances, then I must be doing something right. I'm sick of "conservatives" who feel that approval from the left is a thing to be grasped. The only conservatives they are approve of are one of two types: 1) You're easily silenced by them or 2) you fall into their definiton of conservative which is conservative in name only and in principle just as liberal as they are. I'm not saying Glenn Beck is one of these types of conservatives, but I'm dissappointed that he would say that. Talk radio is about diversity of ideas, and these are the very ideas that many of us espouse. If talk radio is "divisive" or holds "divisive" views, then that's only because those views are in our culture and people are already discussing them. There have been times in our history when things were a lot more heated than they are today and our country still survived.
These are the same people w
January 26, 2007 - 12:59 ET by JDWThese are the same people who still quote the NYT.
JDW
Kerry: "You know, education, if you make the most of it ... you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
Since when has "accuracy
January 26, 2007 - 12:59 ET by mattmSince when has "accuracy" been the goal of the liberal media elite?
Funny how it's only the rig
January 26, 2007 - 13:00 ET by dervishFunny how it's only the right-wing radio that's "divisive." NPR commentary relies more on supercilious scorn, so they sound more like John Kerry than like Rush or Laura Ingraham, but they're no less divisive or any more willing to consider opposing opinion.
The conservative guys are at least entertaining -- and self-supporting.
Interesting how these things
January 26, 2007 - 13:15 ET by Chris NormanInteresting how these things work, in MSM-land, huh?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
They rely on donations as w
January 26, 2007 - 13:20 ET by JDWThey rely on donations as well. Programs are regulary interrupted so NPR can beg. Imagine the named conservative shows doing such.
JDW
Kerry: "You know, education, if you make the most of it ... you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
Why am I still paying for this?!?!?!
January 26, 2007 - 13:17 ET by TheBigMackDaddyThis is the kind of stuff you should expect from the NYT, CNN, MSNBC, etc but what angers me the most is that we taxpayers are paying for this. Barbra Streisand and Ted Turner need to start flipping the bill for NPR.
This is one of the left's tactic's- marginalize those who have outmatched you intelectually by calling them "inaccurate" or "entertainment" or whatever. Whatever you do, don't take them on head-to-head issue by issue. Notice how no specific examples are offered about why Limbaugh is innacurate.
"Why don't we just ask Osama bin -- Osama Obama... Obama what -- since he won by such a big amount." -- Ted Kennedy
"...who unfolded the old
January 26, 2007 - 13:24 ET by ThisnThat"...who unfolded the old smear that talk-radio hosts have no interest in accuracy, unlike the more professional guardians of the public interest in the liberal media elite:"
Who's kidding whom? One of the things I like about Rush is that he always provides links to his source material. That material is often taken directly from MSM articles, liberal websites, etc. How is this NOT "an interest in accuracy"????
And, has no one noticed the distinct lack of interest in accuracy from the MSM -- either via incorrect statements, or more often, delibertly not including information?
All I can say is WOW -- such gall.
Perhaps they're talking abo
January 26, 2007 - 13:39 ET by balboaPerhaps they're talking about when Rush comes out and makes assumptions about MJ Fox that aren't true. You're right that Rush provides ample citations for facts and figures, etc.
aren't true, as judged by who
January 26, 2007 - 13:42 ET by Chris Normanaren't true, as judged by who, exactly? The MSM?
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Well, he said that Fox was
January 26, 2007 - 13:44 ET by balboaWell, he said that Fox was clearly off his meds, when in fact wasn't he over-medicated, or some such thing. So "aren't true" according to the truth?
I'm not certain that, in the
January 26, 2007 - 13:50 ET by Chris NormanI'm not certain that, in the end, Rush was wrong on that. But, if that is the only example, in twenty plus years on the air, that is petty thin gruel.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
I'm sure an anti-Rush fanat
January 26, 2007 - 15:03 ET by balboaI'm sure an anti-Rush fanatic could give you more. I definitely think Rush lead the way in divisiveness for radio, though. He was the first to really draw a line in the sand and say "Everyone over there is stupid, everyone over here is smart."
definately the first to gain
January 26, 2007 - 15:33 ET by Conservative Voicedefinately the first to gain a vast audience, the premise that he was the first in radio --- and hardly the first in media is false. The only way a media item can not be "divisive" is to not exist, because you can't please everyone and you aren't going to get everyone to agree. The best a media outlet can do is be honest about its own bias.
first to draw a line in the s
January 26, 2007 - 15:37 ET by florida_chadfirst to draw a line in the sand and say "Everyone over there is stupid...."
He still doesn't get enough credit for that.
I'm sure that an anti-Rush fa
January 26, 2007 - 15:50 ET by Chris NormanI'm sure that an anti-Rush fanatic would say that everything he says is false. My point, again, who is the judge? If you dare say the media, why I'll....
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Fox also said that sometimes
January 26, 2007 - 13:52 ET by BufordFox also said that sometimes he would intentionally go off his meds before doing interviews when it suited the message.
That to me is do different a
January 26, 2007 - 14:18 ET by Hero SquadThat to me is do different a cameraman trying to get footage of starving children, holding back food for the child so that he can get a more sympathetic shot to tear your heart out.
The MSM does share their sack lunch with those kids after they get their shot, right?
*****
"I thought you might say something stupid... or liberal." - Frank Barone
I thought they gave those lun
January 26, 2007 - 14:57 ET by Roger the ShrubberI thought they gave those lunches to Sally Struthers...
Rog....they sent them to Sall
January 26, 2007 - 14:59 ET by bassndudeRog....they sent them to Sally, but Rosie sniffed them out first.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
The point was still correct
January 27, 2007 - 07:33 ET by SportPoliticsThe point was still correct. MJ has his meds jacked around and doesn't normally lurch and twitch that way.
I think a fair way to make fun of Rush is to say he was so dumb he didn't know that overmedicating causes that with MJ's disease. I'd expect and honest liberal to use that, and then of course it would still be rather stupid.
The point Rush made was correct, the details really don't matter. In the end it is likely MJ overmedicated on purpose, for the effect he wanted.
So, a fair person, would simply say Rush was onto something, and it turned out there was a problem. Claiming Rush was "inaccurate" is a stretch, since Rush simply theorized that MJ was off his meds. " I bet his isn't on his medication"...
So, really, Rush does not get fair treatment, and that's a very poor example of inaccuracy.
The truth about MJ " All jacked up on meds and twitching way more than normal."
I call that a RUSH WIN. Of course, after the lying liberal jerk crew went insane over it, one could argue.
"Perhaps they're talking
January 26, 2007 - 15:52 ET by ThisnThat"Perhaps they're talking about when Rush comes out and makes assumptions about MJ Fox that aren't true."
Hey, Balboa -- Why in the world would anyone even pick that as the "evidence" of inaccuracy? If you remember, Rush retracted that statement. Just like, sometimes, a newspaper will retract a statement. So, since this statement has been retracted, it really doesn't serve your purpose anymore, does it. Why can't you be honest -- when you throw out a comment, make sure it's complete. So, repeat after me: "Rush said .... initially, but then he retracted the statement." There! If you do that, then you will provide, on this forum, a complete set of facts. Otherwise, all you do is show how weak your arguments are, and how confused your logic is. Doesn't work here, pal.
ThisnThat
January 27, 2007 - 07:38 ET by SportPoliticsRush was essentially correct with his "hunch". He tossed out off meds as a theory, and it turns out it was doused with meds, giving the effect.
Rush had a good hunch, and uncovered for all of us "the problem".
I think in the world devoid of insane retarded liberals, Rush wins applause for a keen observation, and uncovering the ruse.
I'm quite irritated, though, that liberals are so stupid and corrupt, that they for the life of them would never admit such.
Don't let them drag you along a third of the way into their bs.
Rush did a great job pegging the MJ twitching as way out of character, and the truth was revealed.
" if you get a fact wro
January 26, 2007 - 13:30 ET by Jack Bauer" if you get a fact wrong, you pay a cost in the news business."
Err, there's a technical term for that. Bollocks.
'Facts' are constantly being gotten wrong in newspapers. Ever read the Times daily corrections?
It's a hilarious journey through the factual mistakes of people who think they the smartest people in the news room, and the rest of us who they don't think are smart enought to understand the nuances behind their clapped out socialism.
The point is what facts are, in fact, just opinion?
Trawl through the Post or Times any day and you'll see the most basic information either misrepresented, or just plain incorrect.
it was funny to listen to a
January 26, 2007 - 14:27 ET by JPninerit was funny to listen to an NPR report claiming there isn't a left of center radio show to counter Limbaugh with Air America's failure. What exactly is NPR?
liberals make the assumptio
January 26, 2007 - 14:35 ET by Conservative Voiceliberals make the assumption that another radio show would provide balance...that would be true if and only if the government forced everyone who listened to Rush to listen to that counter show. Can you imagine their reaction when we make a law where it tracks what you watch and listen to, and then make all channels play the counter version...so they are all forced to watch a conservative News broadcast after listening to CNN before they could watch anything else? Liberalism at its finest.
CV,When you try to counter Li
January 26, 2007 - 14:52 ET by Chris NormanCV,
When you try to counter Liberals' claims that there aren't any liberal radio talk shows to counter Rush with, "They all have failed.", and answer their accusation about Fox News being conservative, with, "No they're balanced and all the other networks are liberal.", - they ignore the arguments. Then they re-set and make the claims all over again the next time. It's like arguing with a wall, except a wall isn't disingenuous.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris...I'm not so sure. I ha
January 26, 2007 - 14:58 ET by Clear thinkerChris...
I'm not so sure. I have had better luck getting a wall to understand logic than a lib.
Well we both agree that log
January 26, 2007 - 15:25 ET by Conservative VoiceWell we both agree that logic does not exist in the emotional mind of a liberal.
We know if the facts get in t
January 26, 2007 - 15:29 ET by Chris NormanWe know if the facts get in the way of a Liberal's argument, then he'll just ignore the facts.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
By the way, is Folkenflik a
January 26, 2007 - 16:05 ET by Chris NormanBy the way, David Folkenflik. Is Folkenflik a German word meaning a date? Because, I thought that word was Flikenfolk...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
The imbalance that exists in
January 26, 2007 - 17:52 ET by winston smithThe imbalance that exists in national network television has desperately needed to be addressed for the last 40 years or so. Now we get morning to night liberal politics and liberal advocacy 24/7/365. Whether its the morning "news" shows, talk shows, kids shows, cartoons, soaps, sitcoms, dramas, 6 o'clock, 7 o'clock 11 o'clock news, etc. network television is a perpetual billboard for liberal politics. How about we start with that imbalance first. And why should any conservative (or moderate) feel the need to apologize for proudly stating opposing viewpoints when the msm has been so persistent in ramming their liberal views down our throats for so very much longer and deliberately without a shred of "balance" ?