News Hounds: MediaMatters.org

MediaMatters.org

October 14, 2011

A Friendly Fox And Friends Welcome To “We Are 53 Percent”

If any more proof is needed that Fox “News” has taken a stand against Occupy Wall Street, one only has to look at the warm welcome given to Mike Wilson, described as “Conservative Filmmaker” and “Developer” of “We Are The 53 Percent,” the newest Right Wing protest group on the ‘Merkin political scene. While The 53ers seem to be quite a small group, that didn’t stop the Foxy Friends (in the persona of Gretchen Carlson) from giving Wilson as warm an embrace as Fox “News” did Teabaggers…or Joe the Plumber. That’s because Fox doesn’t care how big or small a group is, as long as it’s on the right side, pun intended. Clearly Fox “News” believes “We Are The 53%” is on the right side, as evidenced by the chyrons alone. As Wednesday’s interview began the following words appeared at the bottom of the screen: Taking on ‘Occupy Wall Street’; ‘We are the 53 percent’ claims middle ground. At the 23 second mark that’s replaced by “Mike Wilson; Conservative Filmmaker” which, at the 33 second mark faded to “Mike Wilson; Developer, “We Are 53%.” Oddly enough, this only stayed up on screen for a mere 3.5 seconds. Suddenly the chyron is dropped entirely so that Fox can show full screen the pictures that Wilson was currently talking about. WOW!!! Talk about synergy. It’s almost like that was planned because Fox almost never drops the chyron unless it’s for Hooters babes. Twenty seconds later the screen returned to a regular shot of Wilson with the words Counter protest movement; Telling Wall St Demonstrators to ‘Suck it up’ below him. Less than 10 seconds later those words are replaced by ‘We are the 53%’; Blame themselves, politicians for their angst, followed a short time later by “Anti-Occupy Wall St Movement; Says be responsible for your own destiny.” Media Matters also contrasted the treatment of OWS with this new group in an article titled “Fox Attacks ‘99 Percent’ To Support ‘53 Percent,’ ” posted a day before this softball interview. As comprehensive as MMfA's article might be, as much—if not far more—is said by Gretchen's kiss, kiss, kiss ending to this interview. The Gretch wrapped it all up in a nice pretty bow for those who didn’t get the less-than-subtle propaganda, “It’s a very interesting reaction to what’s going on on Wall Street. And we’ll check back in with you because I have a feeling it’s going to continue to grow.” Translation: “We’ll keep pushing your group and, just like we did for the Teabaggers, we’ll help you grow.” Watch:

Reported by Aunty Em at 12:30 PM

October 4, 2011

Steve Doocy Hosts Tim Groseclose For Encore Attack On Media Matters

Part of effective propaganda is reinforcing it. When Fox News has a message that it wants out there (pun intended) it repeats it on several shows. In case you missed Saturday's second string Dave Briggs' interview with Tim Groseclose, about how the evil Media Matters is "abusing your tax dollars," Tim was baaaaack on yesterday's Fox & Friends. Roger Ailes "lackey" Steve Doocy went over pretty much the same territory that Briggs did with the same result; i.e. that despite the thousands of complaints filed by Fox fans, Media Matters is still a 501(C)3. But there was a new angle. Groseclose urged the viewers to write their member of congress in hopes that congress can convene hearings. Doocy said "that's a great point." So who cares about congress needing to do something about the economy. Let's have congress waste even more time investigating Media Matters because they expose Fox News for not being "fair & balanced." Oh, the humanity!

Reported by Priscilla at 8:53 AM

August 31, 2011

Laughing Stock Michael Brown Still The Fox “News” Go-To Guy For Disasters

If you discount the World Trade Center attacks, the non-existent Weapons of Mass Destruction, the “Enhanced Interrogation techniques,” and the “Outing of CIA Agents”—which, oddly enough, pretty much sums up the entire 8 years under the President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney administration—most people would be hard pressed to name one other member of that regime. However, the name Michael Brown is one that crops up occasionally to point to the extreme incompetence of the Bush administration. To recap: Brown was the head of FEMA in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina whacked the Gulf Coast on August 29th. Four days later Bush praised him by saying, “Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job.” However, by then it was pretty clear to everybody but Bush that Brown was in way over his head. Less than 2 weeks later, on September 12th, Brown resigned as head of FEMA. With that resumé it’s a wonder why any so-called “news” operation would use him as a commentator following another natural disaster. However, that CV didn’t stop Bill Hemmer, who dragged out the disgraced ‘Brownie’ on America’s Newsroom to critique President Obama’s response to Hurricane Irene. Watch:

Reported by Aunty Em at 11:18 AM

August 4, 2011

To Deny Climate Change Fox and Friends Attack SpongeBob SquarePants

It’s hard to know what the people at Fox “News” really believe on the topic of Climate Change. That’s because Managing Editor Bill Sammon, way back in 2009, sent out a memo to all Fox producers with the edict that on-air personalities should never talk about Global Warming without adding that the science is not settled and there are scientists who disagree. This has created doubt among viewers and a kind of schizophrenia within the company. Several years ago (now embattled) News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch embraced environmental concerns by declaring the company’s goal was to become carbon-neutral and they need to change the message. Maybe this is what they mean by “Fair & Balanced”: While the Big Boss preaches one thing, Lesser Boss Bill Sammon demands another. The Friends on the Curvy Couch are obviously siding with Sammon, as they attacked SpongeBob SquarePants to deny Climate Change once again. Ironically it comes during one of the greatest heat waves in recorded history. Watch: