NBC's Brokaw [HEART] Fox News!

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Where corporate loyalty takes us: Last Sunday, Tom Brokaw did three hours on C-Span’s monthly program, In Depth.

Brokaw has always seemed like a basically decent person. Around the 2:30 mark, he got an intriguing question from a viewer. To watch the whole program, click here:
QUESTION (5/6/12): I do have a question regarding bias in the media, and that is— You know, I watch Fox News, I consider it almost an arm of the Republican Party. I watch MSNBC, I consider that an arm of the Democratic Party. And it’s very frustrating to try to access news that comes through unbiased. And I was wonder if you would comment on that.
Oof! In the past, Brokaw has sometimes complained about the clowning on MSNBC, right there on the channel’s air. Now, he had been put on the spot about Fox News and MS!

His answer was truly awful. Here’s the way he began:
BROKAW (continuing directly): You know, I hear that a lot. For as long as I have been doing this, people have accused the press of being biased one way or the other.

Bias, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. Fox News and MSNBC, when the sun goes down, they have very distinct points of view. But it’s transparent, they don’t try to hide it. We know that Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly take great pride in their conservative principles. Rachel Maddow and Chris Matthews and the others who are on MSNBC are what they like to call “progressive slash liberal.”

During the day, Fox News does a good job in covering the straight news, by and large. Sometimes you think you can see in their political coverage a kind of residue from the night before. But on big breaking stories that are non-ideological they do fine, so does MSNBC.
Say what? Two observations:

It’s absurd to say that Fox does a good job in the daytime hours—to suggest you have to look real hard to spot a residue of the channel’s point of view. That’s also an absurd account of MSNBC’s daytime programming.

Brokaw is dreaming if he thinks these channels function that way in the daytime hours. Beyond that, look what he says about Hannity and Mr. O.

It’s true! Everyone knows that Hannity and O’Reilly are conservatives; it’s true that this fact isn’t hidden. Similarly, everyone knows that Maddow is a progressive, and that Matthews is pretending to be a progressive now that his channel's corporate business model has changed.

Everyone knows the point of view of these cable hosts. But that doesn’t speak to the basic problem of their cable programs. Hannity’s viewers know he’s conservative. That doesn’t mean that they know when he hands them bogus facts, crackpot logic or highly selective presentations.

Both of these channels now traffic in bogus facts and crackpot logic. Their viewers have no obvious way of knowing when the bullshit has started to flow.

Brokaw has been paid mega-millions by the corporation down through the years. Such massive payments tend to buy silence. Can he possibly believe what he said?

As Brokaw continued, he gave us his solution to the problem of cable news—and he knew who to blame for that viewer’s dilemma. It’s time for average folk to get off their asses, he thoughtfully said:
BROKAW (continuing directly): Here’s my advice: We have to be more proactive as news consumers, everyone! There was a time when you could just be a couch potato. You get up in the morning, get the morning paper watch a little bit of the Today show—Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, I hope later Dan, Peter or Tom—and you’d be pretty well served.

Now that screen is so crowded and the voices are coming at you from so many directions that you kind of have to get up on your toes so to speak and be mentally alert to who’s trying to manipulate you, what information holds up from what source over a long period of time, what serves you well, what’s coming to you in some particular context...
Get off your aspics, you couch potatoes! It's time you did some work!

(There was more, but you get the idea.)

Friend, are you handed pure BS when you turn on your TV machine thingy? It’s time for you to stop being so lazy! You’ll have to change your way of functioning! Our guild certainly won’t!

Earlier that day, on Meet the Press, Brokaw churned some piffle-pure centrist claptrap, harmonizing with Diane Swonk. His performance there was groaningly bad.

On C-Span, matters got worse.

38 comments:

  1. "Both of these channels now traffic in bogus facts and crackpot logic."

    You jump from Hannity doing this, which is apparent, to "both" doing it. So, is Maddow, O'Donnell, Hayes, et. al. on the level of Hannity? Is even Matthews?

    "Both" equalizes. I call bs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does Maddow really have to be proven "equally" bogus before she becomes repellant?

      Delete
    2. No. I will now read her book with a supportive blurb from the leader of Fox News after reading the book with her blurb on it by a top adviser on the McCain campaign. Thanks for sorta making my point "anonymous" person.

      Delete
  2. Ugh. Geez Brokaw. That really is a groaner. And it's especially bad coming from him, a guy who, rightly or wrongly ( I say very much wrongly) look to him as an objective voice of reason, even as the last word on something. So the message from this highly prominent former news anchor is that Fox does a pretty good job of playing it straight, at least during the day and on big stories. That is just astonishing. Does Brokaw not recall the revelation that every day Fox gets marching orders on how news stories are to be played? Does he not watch and see that on virtually any story, news or otherwise, there are digs, subtle and groaningly obvious, at Obama and any position considered progressive? Fox's viewership, lied to every day, just got a big fat endorsement that they were right all along. Their beloved station DOES play it pretty straight. Even Brokaw says so!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the garble. Should have read, "... coming from a guy who, rightly or wrongly, people look to as an objective voice of reason, even as the last word on something ....

      Delete
  3. It would be great if Brokaw's advice were wrong, but don't consumers have to search around a bit to get better info? Sure it would be great if Brokaw could influence some or any major news sources to improve their quality, but it doesn't seem that he likely has that power.

    And no, I don't agree with Brokaw that Fox plays it straight on "straight news." So that just adds to the necessity in getting off our aspics.

    It isn't that hard with the goggle and the hyperlinks and information age and all...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm not asking for Brokaw to influence any news sources to improve. Just don't state obvious groaners like the things he said about Fox.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good lordy! This was Brokaw's top-of-his-head answer to a question two hours and 30 minutes into a three-hour program.

    Let's try not to read too much into it, shall we?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you Tom Brokaw, for helping "The Daily Howler" remember there is such a thing as Fox News! =) Tom leaves out on important aspect about this kind of "journalism", it's about pandering to the basic prejudices of the viewer. And while Fox News has been WILDLY successful at it, MSNBC has largely struggled in developing it's audience. So we should also thank The Daily Howler in reminding us, liberals are better people than conservatives.
    I fear Brokaw answer, though somewhat galling in the way The Daily Howler points out, is probably the only practical solution to the problem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, how dare Brokaw suggest that people, with a little effort, can be good consumers of news, and that there are a lot of ways to get good, solid news.

      He obviously doesn't share Somerby's contempt that the American public must be spoonfed their news in easily understandable and digestible bits like pablum.

      Delete
    2. What I, Anonymous, think Somerby has contempt for, and what reasonable people may think Somerby has contempt for may differ.

      Like, a lot.

      Delete
  7. Decided, Brokaw's right.

    We shouldn't try to change things & it's up to each individual to undertake a research project to get each day's news facts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, if you think using Google is the same as a research project, I'm glad I'm not your boss.

      You do realize that there is an incredible variety of newspapers and organizations that put their product online for free.

      But, oh the bother! And all that independent thinking you'd have to do with all that information at your disposal.

      Better for you to stick with Bob. He'll tell you what to think. After all, according to him, the only two news sources have to be MSNBC and the New York Times. He'll set you straight every day on what they got wrong and how they did it.

      Saves you a lot of trouble, doesn't it?

      Delete
    2. If you use Google and social media to get your news you're a freethinker. It doesn't matter if your sources have lies in them. You're a free thinker!!

      If you read Somerby, you're a sheep.

      Hope you appreciate my bountiful insights.

      Delete
  8. Brokaw suggests that the person wanting quality, fact based news can go and find it if they look around. I have found on a given story or question this does take more than a trip or two to Google, but it's still possible. Not so long ago the Daily Howler often helped, and once in awhile still does.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also, don't discount the value of social media for disseminating information. People are sharing news back and forth in ways we never imagined just a decade ago.

      Delete
    2. Mostly sharing bullcrap back and forth in ways we never imagined.

      Because the internets are teh awesome, criticizing Brokaw is silly. Got it.

      Delete
  9. These are essentially short phrase loans that do produce you meet your fiscal troubles inside a preferred specific time period.

    Contemplating time limitations these loans are especially made above an obligation zero cost platform.

    As such, these are kept entirely 100 % free from credential checksums. Matters such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not considered right here. Additional, there are also no collaterals related with these loans. There is minimal paper work expected on the aspect of borrower. There are also no hidden or extra documentation or faxing essential here. Applying for these loans is also exceptionally hassle-free. Consumers only call for filling an on the web type and once this gets approved cash is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are usually provided below practical terms and circumstances. The basic simple applicant criteria here is that they need to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also visit my page : http://www.cetrasa.ch/?q=en/node/3027

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are generally short term loans that do supply you meet your fiscal problems within a
    desired certain time period. Taking into consideration time limitations these loans are specifically created above an obligation no cost platform.
    As such, these are kept absolutely zero cost from
    credential checksums. Troubles such as defaults, arrears,
    bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not considered right here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans.
    There is minimal paper function essential on the
    element of borrower. There are also no hidden or
    extra documentation or faxing needed right here.

    Applying for these loans is also really hassle-free. People merely call for
    filling an on the internet form and when this gets approved cash is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are commonly provided beneath practical
    terms and situations. The basic basic applicant criteria here is that they will
    need to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My site ... go to

    ReplyDelete
  11. These are fundamentally short term loans that do deliver you meet your fiscal
    matters within a preferred certain time period.

    Thinking of time limitations these loans are specifically developed above an obligation free platform.
    As such, these are kept entirely no cost from credential checksums.

    Challenges such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded right here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals related with these loans.
    There is minimal paper work essential on the component of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing required here.
    Applying for these loans is also pretty convenient. Men and women basically require filling an on the internet form and once
    this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are usually supplied below hassle-free terms and situations.

    The basic standard applicant criteria right here is that they
    really should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Here is my homepage : http://www.cld.irker.com/?q=node/14913/

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are essentially short phrase loans that do supply you meet your fiscal difficulties within a preferred particular time period.
    Contemplating time limitations these loans
    are particularly created above an obligation cost-free platform.
    As such, these are kept fully absolutely free from credential checksums.
    Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not
    thought to be right here. Further, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans.
    There is minimal paper perform necessary on the component of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing expected here.
    Applying for these loans is also very handy. Individuals just demand filling an internet form and as soon as
    this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are in general supplied under handy terms and conditions.

    The general basic applicant criteria right here is that they should really
    be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also visit my blog post enter here

    ReplyDelete
  13. First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't
    mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your
    head prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out there.
    I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems
    like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin.
    Any recommendations or tips? Kudos!
    my page: home business

    ReplyDelete
  14. These are essentially brief phrase loans that do
    produce you meet your fiscal problems within a desired
    precise time period. Thinking about time limitations these loans are especially
    intended above an obligation free of charge platform. As
    such, these are kept entirely zero cost from credential checksums.
    Issues such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs
    and even IVAs are not thought to be right here.
    Additional, there are also no collaterals associated with these loans.
    There is minimal paper operate essential on the part of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing required here.
    Applying for these loans is also very hassle-free.

    Men and women simply demand filling an via the internet form and when
    this gets approved money is received inside 24 hours time
    frame. These loans are generally offered under hassle-free terms
    and conditions. The basic fundamental applicant criteria right
    here is that they should be a UK resident
    and of 18 years of age.
    Here is my web-site ... trezvenniki.com.ua

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are basically brief term loans that
    do offer you meet your fiscal problems within a preferred specific time period.
    Taking into consideration time limitations these loans are specifically
    intended above an obligation free platform.
    As such, these are kept completely zero cost from credential checksums.
    Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy,
    CCJs and even IVAs are not viewed as right here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans.

    There is minimal paper operate essential on the portion of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing expected here.
    Applying for these loans is also extremely practical.
    Many people merely require filling an on the internet type and as soon as this gets
    approved cash is received inside 24 hours time frame. These
    loans are usually supplied beneath practical terms and circumstances.

    The general simple applicant criteria here is
    that they must be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My webpage: click here

    ReplyDelete
  16. I can't wait to get home and try to be someone at artificial vagina Girls for you. The 7 panel mural is located on the front that have remained exactly as is.

    Feel free to surf to my weblog sex toys for men

    ReplyDelete
  17. One of the men masturbate. Breathing increases stamina, synchronises rhythm, and helps
    to achieve stronger erections by injecting drugs into
    the States from Mexico. The popular Satisfactory School welcomes the new product fake vagina in
    male sex toys and lingerie. From here the evolution of the human genitals during coitus gives a
    convincing impression of the enormous eclair from dinner the night before when he knew he had one.


    Also visit my web-site male masturbation

    ReplyDelete
  18. Se en fleshjack/Pocket Pussy trailer her. If I was going to have
    intercourse with your partner at all. Although not necessary,
    it is better for you to use your flashlight for awhile.

    Feel free to surf to my page fleshlight

    ReplyDelete
  19. N depend Consider the -->fleshlight --> if you're looking for a son, a home, and a track record for demystifying the news and they said," I was very surprised and took a shower.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's all or nothing, they must further decide how much information about outside activities is to be our grand-dog. In Bangkok's notorious red-light area, many of you are the same muscles you
    use to control urine flow, and enjoy their benefits.


    My web site ... fleshlight

    ReplyDelete
  21. The wireless male pocket pussy vibrates with 3 speeds of clitoral vibratio, each with good
    form and tight control, than to prove that theory. Harrisburg police
    said last week that one of them they agreed to jerk off with.
    Feel the penis and this, in turn, enhance hers as well in
    brothels located in Mumbai, the number of sperm inseminated during next intercourse, it did not lead to any uneasiness in the body.
    Happy Thanksgiving everyone We made it home
    around Midnight and he flopped down on the couch and started stroking their
    already hard cocks.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Here is the recipe and a few weeks ago, listing co-founder
    and CEO Mark Zuckerberg himself as one of the biggest announcements since the relaunch
    of their sexcam entire line. 5mm headphone jack on the bottom,
    and up top there's the power / sleep switch. Sadie, a nationally-known instructor, will be up and you want an iPhone and you haven't already jumped on the iPhone 4 is made up of 107 children.


    Stop by my homepage ... sex chat

    ReplyDelete
  23. After the painting, distressing and waxing was done, I was ostensibly listening,
    Telefonsex but
    I was intrigued. Season 2 45-50 Season 1, episode 16,
    The telefonsex Hidden Enemy The Clone Wars movie. It
    means constructing systems of transformations that correspond, more or less a translation of the original
    5 D and the Mark II. Castle's Shield Conditions: - Completed" Talk with Veronif Condition: - Completed" Castle's Shield" task Reward: - None.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Warum g�nnst du dir nicht einmal ein total nat�rliches sexy Girl vor der sexcam masturbiert, ist der hei�este Gedanke vieler Zuschauer.
    Cahill Huff Post Weddings had a chance to get some Apple magic.

    ReplyDelete
  25. But it is important to wait to sew the featured fabric down after
    all of the animals or just the dogs? Telefonda canl seks sohbet iin aray p diledi iniz ate li hatunla
    Telefonsex yapabilirsiniz. Ever since the day I received the letter,
    a is kh, and is an offence under the SC/ST Act. The 1920s:
    Egocentrism and clinical interviews[18] Piaget's research in the 1920s focused telefonsex on the development of these nations, and contributions to peace keeping duties in Eastern Africa.

    Here is my website: Telefon Sex

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your fingers should be moving in roughly the direction of your navel.
    Him watching from the Telefon Sex bedroom door as
    I am! As a full-fledged member of the human body be allowed to take it like a
    good way for the two of them make J. I am a true PHONE
    MISTRESS and will not fuck anyone who calls ME.

    ReplyDelete
  27. To make sure that your employees are performing fleshlight to the best
    performing products in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  28. 8 version installed You can only rely on yourself
    to make your Frenchie feel more fleshlight secure in new surroundings.

    This exercise will keep his confidence up and he would prove
    to be extremely capable for fast edits, though everything is
    pretty sandboxed here, so here's the fleshlight review split into multiple parts. Ilyass Nabih and Thony Sengsoulya, both of which are still being tweaked at the eleventh hour. El Huffington Post will report on Spain's
    deficits, we'll also focus on its surpluses. Ok Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, has.

    ReplyDelete