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Fox and Democrats: Ready To Rumble!
What do we make of the Democrats vs. Fox News smackdown that developed over the weekend?
In case you missed it, two debates among Democratic presidential hopefuls, sponsored by and scheduled to air on Fox, have collapsed because of a perceived negative bias by Fox against Democrats.
An August debate, sponsored by Fox and the Nevada Democratic Party, is completely gone. Another, cosponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus that was set to air Sept. 23 technically is still, on but will not be attended by Democratic frontrunners John Edwards, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. What’s the point?
Conservatives have long charged the major broadcast networks and CNN with liberal bias, but conservative politicians have always willing to step before the cameras. But liberals are feeling their oats these days and have decided to slam the door on Fox — a network that aligns itself editorially with Republicans and conservative causes.
This particular snubbing by Democrats — over a debate, rather than a grilling on, say, “The O’Reilly Factor” — makes the Democrats look like cowards. Why not go on Fox, where the majority of cable news viewers are and make your case? Doesn’t this seem like a blunder that could have a profoundly negative impact on the campaign?
TV news organizations shouldn’t be divided into partisan sectors, but increasingly that is the perception. In some cases it is more than a perception. But if this ideological divide continues in the media, the notion of “fair and balanced” will be a distant memory … on Fox and everywhere else.
The new Bob Barker?
“The Price Is Right” is narrowing its search for a replacement for long-time host Bob Barker, who has announced his pending retirement.
At the top of the list are golden-tan celebrity George Hamilton, “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Mark Steines and E! Entertainment’s Todd Newton.
The new host will be announced May 16 when CBS makes its upfront presentation to advertisers.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: News coverage
Comments
By austinights
April 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Boy, a snarl over Presidential debates....this early in the process....yaawwwn! If you want to watch Smackdown...watch the real thing on WWE Wrestling any night of the week.
I don't know who will end up host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, but if Ryan Seacrest name even appears on a short list -- America should just scream!! I'm just surprised someone didn't market the idea....THE NEXT AMERICAN GAME SHOW HOST!
By "the" Tony Cooke
April 16, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Ironically, a news report came out today showing that viewers of Fox news are the most misinformed.
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003571876