ABC Anchor on Rock Star Host of Gay Debate: ‘Melissa Etheridge Is th
On Friday’s "Good Morning America," ABC host George Stephanopoulos raved about singer Melissa Etheridge’s hosting of Thursday’s Democratic debate on gay issues. He enthused, "Melissa Etheridge is the new Ted Koppel!" Stephanopoulos, a former top Clinton aide and now the host of "This Week," also framed the debate from a decidedly pro-gay rights angle: George Stephanopoulos: "...This is remarkable…
ABC Gushes Over ‘Very Personal’ Photos of John Edwards's Wedding R
On Thursday’s "Good Morning America," anchor Diane Sawyer gushed over new photos of 2008 Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards renewing his wedding vows with wife Elizabeth. Sawyer touted having "the very first pictures of a very personal backyard ceremony." Reporter David Muir also found the pictures to be "incredibly personal," despite the fact that the Edwards campaign provided them…
ABC Touts Gaffes of GOP Children; Sawyer Recounts Battling With Republ
On Tuesday’s "Good Morning America," reporter Jake Tapper used the story that Rudy Giuliani’s daughter had joined a pro-Barack Obama Facebook group as a segue to recount the travails of other presidential children. Somehow, his list of wayward youths included only the offspring of famous Republican politicians, while ignoring Democratic embarrassments, such as the recent drug arrest of Al Gore…
ABC Continues to Grill Romney on Religion; Gushed Over Faith of Dems
On Monday’s "Good Morning America," guest host George Stephanopoulos pressed 2008 Republican candidate Mitt Romney over whether he will "do more to address" the issue of his Mormon faith. This is the same ABC program that has repeatedly raised questions about whether the former Massachusetts governor’s religion could damage his ‘08 chances. In June, reporter Dan Harris speculated on how "…
The NewsBusters Weekly Recap: July 28 to August
Grilling Cheney, Gushing For GoreLarry King, best known recently for his scintillating interviews with thinkers such as Paris Hilton, proved that he can still ask tough questions, to conservatives that is. In an interview with Vice President Cheney about Guantanamo, he wondered, "You have to torture them when they’re there?" Former VP Al Gore, on the other hand, received puff questions about…
GMA Experts Declare Hillary Body-Language Master
Wait a second. Isn't the rap on Hillary that she succeeds despite her weak communication skills? That she's substance over a decided lack of style? But GMA managed this morning to find two body language and communication experts to declare that Hillary is particularly gifted in non-verbal communication. In a segment beginning at 7:40 A.M. EDT today, ABC's Claire Shipman first interviewed…
TV Anchors Make Millions, But Still Attack the Rich
Let them eat cake – because we are too.Our TV network media personalities really want you to believe they can relate to the average American. After all, when you’re a high-minded soldier fighting on the side of the proletariat, it’s important to be a victim of the economic injustices you bring to light, right?Not so fast. It turns out some of the most prominent journalists are doing quite well,…
Network Morning Shows Ignore Obama's No Nukes Comment
On Friday, the network morning shows downplayed or ignored 2008 Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s muddled comment that nuclear weapons shouldn’t be used in "any circumstances" in Afghanistan or Pakistan. On CBS, the "Early Show" didn’t cover the story at all. During the three hour broadcast of the "Today" show, NBC found time for only one brief anchor read. ABC’s "Good Morning…
ABC’s Popularity Advice to Dick Cheney: Reach Out and ‘Talk to Doo
On Wednesday’s "Good Morning America," ABC reporters offered advice to Dick Cheney on how to resuscitate his "rock bottom poll numbers." The network featured clips from a Bush-bashing cartoon and correspondent Cokie Roberts even suggested that if the Vice President wants to change his image, he needs to do it on "Jon Stewart and maybe talk to Doonesbury." The Claire Shipman-hosted segment, which…
ABC Coos Over ‘Presidential Nominee’ John Edwards's Visit to Wendy
On Tuesday’s "Good Morning America," anchors Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer touted the marital relationship between Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife. Co-host Robin Roberts recounted the often repeated story of how the Edwards couple spend their wedding anniversary, including their recent 30th, at the restaurant Wendy’s. Roberts, perhaps in a Freudian slip, even referred…
ABC’s Cuomo Feverishly Speculates on Gonzales Firing by ‘End of Bu
On Friday’s "Good Morning America," and again on Sunday, ABC anchors eagerly touted the idea that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales could be fired at any second. On July 27, GMA host Chris Cuomo discussed sworn Senate testimony given by Gonzales and wondered if the Attorney General had been "caught in a lie with the whole nation watching?" (An ABC graphic helpfully asked, "Is Atty General lying…
