Fox News Watch led this week's show with Brent Bozell's condemnation of the press' coverage of the just-concluded congressional campaign. Host Eric Burns noted that Bozell is "head of an influential conservative media watchdog group called the Media Research Center" - which also happens to be the parent organization of NewsBusters.
FNW played a video clip of Bozell stating:
"In 25 years of looking at the national media I have never in my life seen a more one-sided, distorted, vicious presentation of news and non-news by the national press. The national press ought to be collectively ashamed of itself. They might as well take up membership in the Democratic national party. They were the simple microphones for the party. They need to be ashamed of themselves for what they did."
Jim Pinkerton, the conservative commentator whose columns appear at Newsday and TCS, cited chapter and verse in support of Bozell's assertion:
"Maybe he was thinking of the data from Robert Lichter who said that the media bias was 6-1 liberal. Maybe he was thinking of Tom Edsall [former senior WaPo political reporter] who told Hugh Hewitt that the reporters run from 15:1 to 25:1 Democratic. Maybe he was thinking of Debra Howell, the ombudswoman for the Washington Post who said "most of the reporters and editors I know are liberal on social issues." Maybe he was thinking of Tom Rosenstiel of the Project for Excellence in Journalism who said there is a lot liberal bias."
Continued Pinkerton: "Maybe he was thinking of [CNN's] Jack Cafferty who when gas prices were falling before the election said it was a Republican plot and then Dan Lothian for the same network on CNN said when gas prices were falling it was part of the economic recovery now that Democrats have won the midterm election."
Liberal panelist Jane Hall tried to counter by citing Sean Hannity, whom she described as "constantly [repeating] Republican spin points." But Hannity is of course open about his partisanship and is fairly balanced by Alan Colmes. Bozell's criticism was surely aimed at the MSM's Dem spin passed off as objective "news" reporting.
Hall's fellow liberal Ellis Henican weighed in, claiming Bozell makes similar claims about media bias "every day of the week." Riposted Cal Thomas: "he's right!"
Liberals love to laud "speaking truth to power." On that basis Bozell deserves praise for having made his remarks in the very belly of the MSM beast: the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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"Hall's fellow liberal E
November 26, 2006 - 08:47 ET by Indiana Joe"Hall's fellow liberal Ellis Henican weighed in, claiming Bozell makes similar claims about media bias "every day of the week." Riposted Cal Thomas: 'he's right!'"
A few things here. First, thanks much to Brent to have the nerve to stand up and declare that the Emperor has no clothes. There's just no other way to put it, to my mind. The bias we've seen for decades, at least, has finally reached the point that even it's instigators cannot rationally deny it.
The piece I c&p'd above sort of struck home to me personally. I check this site virtually daily, usually several times a day. There IS so much bias that finding examples manages to fill at least a page or two a day, it seems like. Just the synopses, I mean, not the stories or the threads.
And sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it. I tend to sort of pick-and-choose; "Well, THIS is big, but this here isn't so much." But it's ALL evidence in the MSM bias "trial" that seems to be finally getting underway. Well, if not "getting underway," maybe at least we're starting to see some witness lists drawn up, or some sort of "pre-trial" activity. (I realize I'm not wording this well here. Not hitting on all cylinders today, sorry)
Anyway, the debate about the MSM bias has gone well past the stage where it can be just "pooh-poohed" away. As evidenced by the lame responses that were all that could be mustered against Brent's points. Good job, Brent.
IJ, your message is quite cle
November 26, 2006 - 10:33 ET by rimskyIJ, your message is quite clear to me. I too read MRC and NB daily, and you are correct.. there is a ton of biased reporting out there, and Brent and his wonderful organization are doing an excellent job of exposing it. We should all pray for their continued success.
Does anybody know if Neal G
November 26, 2006 - 09:02 ET by Squalls BladeDoes anybody know if Neal Gabler has been fired or if his contract was up and if Ellis Henican is his replacement? I guess he could just be on vacation, but it's been a while since he's been on and I need to know if this loon is finally gone.
Democracy is not enough. If the culture dies, the country dies. - Pat Buchanan
Neal Gabler
November 26, 2006 - 09:50 ET by Gordon SchumwayNeal Gabler is on a book tour promoting his new Walt Disney book. He can stay on the book tour as long as he wants for he adds nothing intelligent to Fox News Watch.
So many bookstores, so little time.
Gordo
Melmac
His new Walt Disney book? Ab
November 26, 2006 - 10:39 ET by rimskyHis new Walt Disney book? About what?
His new Walt Disney book?
November 26, 2006 - 12:23 ET by Gordon SchumwayHis new Walt Disney book? About what?
Walt Disney.
Gordo
Melmac
I won't buy it. Never relen
November 26, 2006 - 12:28 ET by Andrew H.I won't buy it.
Never relent.
Are you kidding? He adds MU
November 26, 2006 - 12:15 ET by UnsaneAre you kidding? He adds MUCH to Fox News Watch. He is the perfect rendition of how Leftists think and act! He therefore is doing a GREAT public service!
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)
It seems so overwhelmingly
November 26, 2006 - 09:02 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsIt seems so overwhelmingly biased I don't see how anyone can deny it. Read this link by Roger Aronoff, a little more than halfway down the page, how Mark Halperin says reporters were to deliberately slant the news reporting to favor the democrats before the recent elections.
DSG
Whats really sad is that the
November 26, 2006 - 09:17 ET by ChemicalOperatorWhats really sad is that the democrats felt their arguements could not stand on their own merits. They had to deceive the public through media bias and mudslinging. The founding fathers would be sad at the state of politics in america on both sides of the aisle. It would be nice one day to have an election where people ran on there values and allowed the public to vote there conscious without vote fraud and deception.
I think its obvious that its time for an overhaul of the media system, it can not continue the way it has been going.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
Ellis Henican
November 26, 2006 - 10:55 ET by iveseenitallEllis Henican is another assinine liberal. Immmature and illogical, his only response to any issue is to deny the truth with a teenage giggle and a pointless, sarcastic comment. Where do they get these people? Oh that's right, Newsday, the liberal rag of Long Island.
NEVER, NEVER trust a liberal
He does answer his emails tho
November 26, 2006 - 12:07 ET by Andrew H.He does answer his emails though--respect him for that. He and Jane Hall contribute the dems talking points much more than Hannity has used Republican talking points--fact is, Jane, I am sure he doesn't. He is one of millions who see what is happening--and can make up his (our) own minds, thank you.
Never relent.
Why do they always compare Fo
November 26, 2006 - 12:31 ET by MrCameramanWhy do they always compare Fox News talk and opinion shows to regular news reporting? "Hannity and Colmes" is pure opinion entertainment where the sides in the debate are clearly defined...and done so for obvious "Fair and Balanced" reasons. What Bozell is talking about is general news reporting that doesn't carry an "opinion" or "commentary" monicker down in the corner.
Why Jane Hall brings up Hannity as the cure all to liberal bias is absurd. At the same time, Cafferty's remarks are not news ethier...that's why they are under the title of, "The Cafferty File." The problem is CNN drops his bomb throwing opinions right in the middle of legitimate news which makes it hard to define what is news and what is commentary. That is CNN's only venture into the ring, where you can hurl the bias all over the place and feel protected, plus it gets people talking about CNN. There are no conservative mainstream media outlets except Fox News, which oddly comes off as conservative because they offer both sides to the story and report facts that others seem to "miss." I guess these days that means you're conservative...but being hyper-skeptical and seemingly pleased when the dems do well shows that you are the objective network of record. The bias that does the most damage is the bias that creeps in quietly through every story and creates a drumbeat...the stuff from Fox News is infotainment, a verbal boxing match btwn cons and libs...great stuff...but as far as real news goes, Fox does seem to be the only one that is consistently fair.
I think it is because Fox New
November 26, 2006 - 12:42 ET by Andrew H.I think it is because Fox News was the first network to make an effort to report both sides of an issue--in some detail. That makes them appear to be conservative and that assumption is made regardless of the program or show.
Having anchors such as Brent and John--who are decidely conservative fuels the anger and resentment. They do report news but also add comments that are in fact conservative in terms of point of view. These men add a balance to the Wolfs and Katies--decidely liberal.
I think it is important for Fox to keep their reporting format solid--it would be a shame if they became simply another of the same. One cannot watch the networks or CNN and conclude they're objective. Virtually every night their bias comes out and it does the American public a disservice.
Never relent.
The coverage from the MSM was
November 26, 2006 - 13:15 ET by Andrew H.The coverage from the MSM was so transparently the same--denigrating Republicans on every issue, every day, day in, day out--it was as if a planning meeting was held with all the liberal print media and the netwroks to map out a twelve month strategy in order to win the house. They succeeded in turning out a dem vote and suppressing the conservative vote. Now what?
It just makes the job a little harder to keep the loonies from doing damage to our war effort, the economy and morality issues.
Never relent.
"Now what?"Well the
November 26, 2006 - 13:23 ET by ChemicalOperator"Now what?"
Well the way I see, as long as Bias keeps on being exposed you will continue to see the MSM shrink in ratings while you see an increase in Fox News viewers and right wing blog membership. If the trend continues in a few years the MSM will not be able to do a lot about elections since they wont have the marketshare to reach possible voters.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
CO...I agree. However, it's g
November 26, 2006 - 13:27 ET by Clear thinkerCO...
I agree. However, it's going to take another 10 years before there may be a resemblance of balance in the MSM. This will be the greatest day in our modern day history.
Ted Turner at the National Press Club on Cspan
November 27, 2006 - 02:28 ET by SportPoliticsTed Turner at the National Press Club on Cspan 1, gets asked about his patriotism. After giving a rundown on his own drafted ww2? service, he asked the several hundred reporters present if anyone questioned his patriotism. With zero responses he turned to the regular questioner, and declared that there are several hundred people here and not a one questions his patriotism. Victory at last.
So much for the press speaking truth to power. The biggest US land owner, and master of the media left has his clucking little ducklings all there for his glorious praise. Not one would dare question his patriotism.
Be certain that the left wing talking points Teddy is feeding to his little sheeple reporters will be repeated of neccessity.
I do wonder how Turner gets audiences so often, when other owners like Murdoch don't get fawned over in the same way. I guess they just keep playing it over and over, the media loves it so much. They must keep it a standing request to cspan.
The lib press sits and cowers and praises and claps for their big CEO paycheck man. What a shame it is.
"...Now what? It just
November 26, 2006 - 17:56 ET by Ten7s"...Now what? It just makes the job a little harder to keep the loonies from doing damage to our war effort, the economy and morality issues."
Do you ever get the feeling that we, collectively as a nation, are bound and determined to piddle around until the country's back is really against the wall, bicker and dither with the Liberals until there's a crisis of such moment that each and every American is chilled to the bone, before we get serious about facing the Islamists (and the moral reprobates (aka the Hard Left) among us)?
Yes I do. I know we do. T
November 27, 2006 - 05:13 ET by Andrew H.Yes I do. I know we do. That's part of the reason we had 9-11. The politcal cronyism at Logan is legendary--qualifications mattered NONE. Favors above all--add to that the Clinton horrific approach to intelligence and our collective political apathy after the first Towers bombing, the Cole--ignoring delcarations of war from al qaeda--and we have what we have.
The people who are in office for the main reason of staying in office--voted for Iraq--and now rail against it--want their office above anything.
Never relent.
Mr Bozell, thank you. You sta
November 26, 2006 - 13:46 ET by Clear thinkerMr Bozell, thank you. You stated the obvious beautifully.
"In 25 years of looking at the national media I have never in my life seen a more one-sided, distorted, vicious presentation of news and non-news by the national press. The national press ought to be collectively ashamed of itself. They might as well take up membership in the Democratic national party. They were the simple microphones for the party. They need to be ashamed of themselves for what they did."
"speaking truth to pow
November 26, 2006 - 14:21 ET by lnthomp"speaking truth to power" is a meaningless phrase. Most of the lefties wouldn't know the truth if it slapped them in the face, and power means something entirely different to them than it does to ordinary people: To the left, power is making everyone else do what you want done. To most conservatives, power is inspiring everyone to do what needs to be done, not MAKING anyone do ANYTHING.
LNTHOMP previously posting as LEENT. U.S. Navy (ret.)
My success and happiness are not determined by who wins elections.
Any of you guys see that the
November 26, 2006 - 14:26 ET by ChemicalOperatorAny of you guys see that the far left is desperately starting to cry to have the Fairness Doctrine re-enacted?
Funny that a group of people who "value free speech" want to silence anyone who doesnt believe there way.... sounds an awful lot like communism.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
We've seen this coming for
November 26, 2006 - 14:32 ET by lnthompWe've seen this coming for several years. Rush has even mentioned the "Fairness" Doctrine debate on his show a few times.
LNTHOMP previously posting as LEENT. U.S. Navy (ret.)
My success and happiness are not determined by who wins elections.
Chemical don't you get it
November 26, 2006 - 15:30 ET by Carl KolchakFunny that a group of people who "value free speech" want to silence anyone who doesnt believe there way.... sounds an awful lot like communism.
Chemical, the Left are real hip to others who don't think like them. In fact the Left has never used reeducation camps to make sure everyone thinks like them, and they have never controlled the media to make sure only their messages get out. In fact GULAGS have never been used by the Left. Come on Chemical, the Left are the most clear thinking people of all time, and value what others think of them. In fact if you ever want to see how tolerant Left wingers are of opposing views, you should checkout Mao's Hundred Flowers Campaign. Those who spoke out against Mao were treated especially well and were given punch and cookies for their free speech. The Left has never used any type of secret police organizations to control their citizen's speech. In fact the Stasti, the Siguranta, NKVD, OGPU, Cheka, are really fine examples in past history of much tolerance from the Left.
"I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane" Waylon Jennings
die Berliner Mauer
November 26, 2006 - 15:45 ET by UnsaneIndeed, Carl. After all, why was die Berliner Mauer built? Why, to keep out corrupting Western influences, of course. Had we just left West Berlin to the enlightened, it would not have been necessary. Did I mention it was extremely effective, with NO cost of life whatsoever?
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)
Classic post Unsane
November 26, 2006 - 15:57 ET by Carl KolchakThe wall was built so the East could keep all their exceptional labor force. In fact they didn't want anyone getting in to their fine establishment, and they didn't want the rest of the world to know that all of their citizens had it much better off than those in the West. In fact those armed guards and their mined fields were to keep people from the West from coming into their paradise.
"I ask you to let the government know immediately when you see serious problems or mistakes that stand in the way of our great community endeavor."
Walter Ulbricht
Bozell
November 26, 2006 - 16:57 ET by pocomocoIn spite of Brent Bozell's comments, it should be obvious by now that calling the press names doesn't phase them one bit.
And, of course what follows, is the inevitable comment from MSM pimp Ellis Henican.
Along this same vein, two o
November 26, 2006 - 17:28 ET by mytwocentsAlong this same vein, two of the best books I've read are Bernard Goldberg's "Bias" and "Arrogance". He saw so much bias in news reporting and decided to expose it in an op-ed piece and was trounced on for doing so. The rest is history. He factually exposes media bias in all it's spendor. Highly recommended reading.
I watched this whole speech
November 26, 2006 - 17:41 ET by bigtimerI watched this whole speech live on C-Span...every word Mr. Bozell uttered was the truth. Period.
Wouldn't expect Hennican or Jane Dearest to say anything different...who would? They are part of the problem...which they know full well. Great job by Pinkerton by the way....sorry I missed this episode of Fox News Watch, will try and catch it later...
boo hoo brent bozell...the au
November 26, 2006 - 21:08 ET byboo hoo brent bozell...the audacity of neos to whine about the media changing elections after what fox has succeeded in doing in every election cept this one! Hallelulah!
"No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we all are accomplices."
E. Murrow
Y'all ain't from this planet,
November 27, 2006 - 01:33 ET by GritsY'all ain't from this planet, are ya?
let's not feed the troll
November 27, 2006 - 02:07 ET by terrigI have decided to that no one should respond to anything Rhayes says. Maybe since he's not being fed he will dry up and go away and die off of this site!
Even total humiliation did no
November 27, 2006 - 02:37 ET by NL207Even total humiliation did not induce him to leave.
I don't really want him to leave. He is a prime example of how defective liberal ideology is.
Hannity is open about his par
November 28, 2006 - 11:20 ET by ImmolateHannity is open about his partisanship, but Colmes does not balance the equation. He is at best a foil to set off Hannity's charm with Colmes' pencil-necked geekiness. I have no problem with this--Fox should go with whatever format pays the shareholders. But to allude offhandedly that Colmes somehow cancel's out Hannity's influence is unrealistic.