FOX News Alert: Rupert Murdoch First Inductee in The Big Media Hall Of Shame
Reported by Ellen - May 15, 2005
Reporting live from News Hounds Central at the National Conference for Media Reform, within howling distance of the St. Louis Arch...
The first inductee into the Big Media Hall of Shame was announced tonight to a hushed room with suspense so thick you could cut it with a knife. First, Phil Donahue read the names of the five finalists. The competition was as stiff as Bill O'Reilly's loofah.
The other nominees - worthy contenders all - were Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, Sinclair Broadcasting's David Smith, former FCC chairman Michael Powell, and Lowry Mays of Clear Channel. Would Murdoch, the "dark horse from down under" prevail? We could hardly bear to watch as Donohue opened the envelope.
Our fears were unfounded. The room erupted into spontaneous applause and cheers as Donohue read the name of the winner. Yes, it was the News Hounds' own nefarious nemesis. No, not Johnny Dollar - but Mr. Kangaroo, himself. All News Hounds present joined the applause and added a standing ovation. As Rupert Murdoch's face filled each gigantic screen at the side of the podium, the cheers turned to jeers.
Unfortunately, Mr. Murdoch had "a prior engagement" and could not accept the award in person. Frankly, we thought we were the fitting substitute to accept the award on his behalf. However, Democracy Now's Amy Goodman was chosen instead.
In the spirit of good citizenship and in order not to ruin the bonhomie of the moment, we decided against rushing the stage and claiming victory for ourselves. Also, we love Amy Goodman and consider her a great spokesperson for just about any occasion.
Congratulations, Mr.Murdoch. We feel confident that in this election, all votes were counted correctly.
