Latest Blogs
Feminist Film Critic Decries Lack of Abortion Politics in 'Juno
What will it take for film critics to be satisfied with movies about young, unmarried pregnant women? For most, a clever script and outstanding performances will suffice, but not so for Lisa Schwarzbaum, a film critic for Entertainment Weekly. It must also carry a weighty discussion on the "hard-won, precious rights" to choose. "Juno," the latest film about an unintended pregnancy carried to…
Johnny Depp: Serial Killer He Plays in 'Sweeney Todd' Is a 'Victim
What is it with Johnny Depp and Victorian Era serial killers?Six years ago the liberal Hollywood fixture played London police detective Frederick Abberline in "From Hell," a violent conspiracy theory-driven whodunnit about the 1888 murder spree of Jack the Ripper. In his newest big screen release, Depp stars as the title character in "Sweeney Todd," a film about a fictional 19th century London…
$200 Million Mortgage Plan Not Enough for Networks
Media criticize Bush plan, calling for even more 'relief' from government for irresponsible borrowers.
New Australian Prime Minister Flip-flops on Climate Change Pledge
NewsBusters readers are well aware of how American media gleefully reported Kevin Rudd's November 24 victory over Australian Prime Minister John Howard as a huge defeat for President Bush. Stateside press representatives have also been enamored with Rudd's views concerning global warming, and his proposed deep cuts to Australia's carbon dioxide emissions. In a truly stunning twist of fate,…
PBS Anchor Admits Book Industry Is In 'Transition
'NewsHour' anchor Jim Lehrer discusses publishing struggles, 'wishes' more people would 'quit writing' and start 'reading' books.
Golden Compost: Washington Post Goes Soft On Film's Director
Sometimes, newspapers bury the lede on purpose. Today’s Exhibit A? The Washington Post Style section profile of Chris Weitz, the director of the new anti-religious movie The Golden Compass. The Post’s anodyne headline was "‘Golden Compass’ Director Seeks True North." David Segal’s story takes eight paragraphs and a sentence before it gets to the point, why the publicity: The trilogy of books…
ABC Examines Mormonism; Sawyer Can't Let Huckabee Comment Go
Diane Sawyer and other "Good Morning America" journalists offered a surprisingly substantive look into religion on Thursday's edition of the ABC program. The show featured a three part, 12 minute-plus series of segments on Mitt Romney, Mormonism and his faith's relationship with evangelical voters. The discussion wasn't perfect, certainly. GMA co-host Diane Sawyer simply couldn't let go of her …
Miami Herald Keeping Jenne's (D) Under Lock and Key
Previously in NewsBusters, PJ Gladnick and I have blogged about South Florida newspapers, such as the Miami Herald, that have left out disgraced former Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne's political affiliation. Jenne is a Democrat, and a gun control-friendly one at that (more on that after the page break).It appears Jenne's party registration remains under lock and key at the Herald. Here's…
O'Reilly Calls Rosie 'Wicked Witch of East;' Barbara Walters Laughs
Barbara Walters did not defend Rosie O’Donnell against Bill O’Reilly’s "Wicked Witch of the East" comment, but laughed and diverted to complimenting Whoopi Goldberg. "Not defending" usually fires up the former "View" moderator as was best exemplified on Rosie’s last live "View."The veteran journalist and "View" creator appeared on the December 5 edition of "The O’Reilly Factor" to promote her…