Liberal network 1st day report...

[norskman2]

I LOVE those who claim the media (and especially NPR) are biased to the left. I just listened to NPR's Fresh Air doing a ONE- HOUR interview with Karen Hughes!

 

[TWA Dude]

In case it isn't obvious to everyone, ALL news has a slant, bias, agenda, or viewpoint. It isn't always a strong one but it's there.

Funny how the only time media as a whole isn't accused of being liberal is in countries where it's controlled by the government. Hmmm...

Dude

 

[Typhoon1244]

I found it....I was driving in my car when I heard it....I could not believe what I was hearing.....listen to this and tell me that this show doesn't have a leftist agenda.

Wow, you found one story about a war protester. You're right: NPR is rotten to the core!

If A.T.C. never interviewed conservatives, you might have a valid point. They do, and you don't.

So why are we arguing about it?

 

[bart]

All Things Considered is quite possibly the only unbiased news program on the radio today.

OK, no more Kool Aid for Typhoon.

Please tell us that was your your dry with that came up with that one. If you really believe that, you need to spend a week in Iowa or Wisconsin. One would think you live on the Upper East Side with that statement.

You do need to read Bernie Goldberg's book, especially the part about "they are not bad guys, they think everyone thinks this way, except a few uneducated wackos."

 

[sqwkvfr]

The only thing I'm trying to point out is that the chick in this story is out there by almost anyone's definition of the phrase...and npr saw fit to publicize her message.


Also, this was going on when the "war for oil" kooks were marching in the streets...I think a lot of these types were there to soften the blow for the more mainstream opposition....I mean, anyone left of center is gonna seem like a right-winger when compared to these types....and npr played right into their hands...

Just because npr interviews conservatives doesn't make them balanced...the tone of interviews sets the stage for what the interviewer/show producers are trying to portray. Liberals get far more softball interviews from their willing accomplises in the media than do conservatives...

What the media folks want to portray is decided before a story is put together....it's not a fact gathering mission anymore, and this is where I think the media is failing us. CBS' story on security at general aviation airports was a perfect example.

I thought about this on my way to the Whataburger drive-through to brush up on my Spanish: You could be right about me taking snippets of the program without seeing the big picture of the show into account. I have a hard time listening to npr for more than a couple of minutes before I have to change the station.

It's rare that I miss any "A Prairie Home Companion" installment, however.

Oooooohhhhh hear that 'ole piano from down the avenue!
I smell the __________, I look around for you-hooo!!

 

[Typhoon1244]

You could be right about me taking snippets of the program without seeing the big picture of the show into account. I have a hard time listening to npr for more than a couple of minutes before I have to change the station.

Aha!

Seriously: I applaud you for at least considering that.

Originally posted by bart
Please tell us that was your your dry with that came up with that one.

Yes, and not only that, but all your base am belong to us...

Maybe you should lay off the Kool Aid yourself.

I will admit this: NPR is a lot like ALPA and the various MEC's. Its local affiliates often establish tones that are very different from National Public Radio. KERA in Dallas is pretty middle-of-the-road (with the glaring exception of the Tavis Smiley show...I avoid it), whereas the station I used to listen to in Seattle leaned way left.

I've tried both NPR and Fox News: NPR deserves the label "fair and balanced" far more.

One more thing about the alleged "liberal media." Most of their leadership (as Mar pointed out) is staunchly conservative. They regularly report on the asinine goings-on in the Democratic party. But because they also show that W. doesn't really know what he's doing, you see a liberal slant.

 

[merikeyegro]

First of all just because a station interviews a conservative, it does not mean that it is not liberal. Let's get the straight.

That being said, Franken's show is meant to be satirical. The other shows on the station actually interview people. For instance, I'm currently listening to "Unfiltered" on streaming audio from the site. These guys are actually pretty good. They're interviewing a columnist from www.salon.com about the story concerning the FBI agent blowing the whistle on the FBI and CIA knowing about a hijacking plot in July 2001. They also talk quite a bit about social issues and education. I've not heard much about John Kerry yet, although I'm sure that's coming.

Keep in mind that this network is new, trying out stuff, and is capturing an audience. They are likely going to cash in right away on Bush-bashing, as this is quite a popular activity to dirty, terrorist-loving, French-wine-drinking liberals such as myself. So, just because you like Bush and find it stupid doesn't mean that I don't find bashing the prez hilarious. DON'T LISTEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT. Actually, listen a bunch. They'll make more money.

O'Reilly and Hannity outshout their interviewees if they happen to lean left and do it without facts whatsoever. Rush does quite similar stuff. So, don't lecture any of us on "FACTS" here. The right is quite good at spinning and deceiving. The only advantage here is that they have the government at their disposal right now and can spin even classified data to their advantage.

I'm glad Limbaugh and Hannity have a little opposition. I like the shows. I actually found Franken's show to be kinda boring, so I listen to the others. "Unfiltered" is on from 9:00A - 12:00P. I suggest you start there. Good stuff. Have fun...

 

[Typhoon1244]

First of all just because a station interviews a conservative, it does not mean that it is not liberal. Let's get the straight.

Poor wording on my part. Let me put it another way: NPR has no liberal slant. It is belittled by conservatives because it has no conservative slant, either.

DON'T LISTEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT.

Amen!

 

[Typhoon1244]

Fellas, I was just sitting down to a plate of leftover BBQ beef when a thought occurred to me: it's just possible that I believe NPR is impartial for the same reason conservatives believe Fox News is "fair and balanced." I like most of what I hear there, so of course I think it's fair!

And speaking of the media...seen the news about CNN's latest foul-up?

 

[N2264J]

Liberal network...

For instance, I'm currently listening to "Unfiltered" on streaming audio from the site.

Do you get it via MX or is it free?

Since I live in the midwest but not near Chicago, I'm trying to find an internet feed.

Are you using Microsoft Media Player or did you download another program to get streaming audio?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Timebuilder]

it's just possible that I believe NPR is impartial for the same reason conservatives believe Fox News is "fair and balanced." I like most of what I hear there, so of course I think it's fair!

Then, there is yet another idea: the actual fact of reporting and the discussion of ideas.

"All Things Considered" does not consider all things, it's just a title. "Fresh Air" is only "fresh" if you sustain yourself on the idea of intellectual elitism. Conservative ideas on NPR are a finite rarity.

Fox news, on the other hand, welcomes an NPR reporter on a regular basis: Maura Liasson.

The test of whether Fox is "fair and balanced" is one of a discussion of ideas. This includes liberal ideas, too. Alan Colmes is not a shill, he's a real liberal. There are at least a half dozen or so liberals on Fox every day.

Can anyone say that there are a half dozen conservatives on NPR?

I didn't think so.

So, it's more than a "perception" by the listener/viewer. It is a quantifiable set of viewpoints and opinions.

 

[414Flyer]

The mainstream media is not full of conservatives, last time anyone bothered to survey, it was around 90 Dem/10 Rep.

How often do you hear the media describe people as "Left wing", while you hear "right wing" tossed around far more in new stories and interviews.

I have met and have a lot of friends in the "media" and yes they are mostly democrat and or leftist. Many go into mass comm, not because they want to be a great reporter and accurately report the news, they see it as their way to change the world, bring down corporations, etc.

On that note however, what I find to be really ridiculous is when people try to have shows, hosts, commentators, etc taken off the air because they do not like their ideology. If you dont like someone, change the channel or turn the radio off. I am sure they are people calling to complain about Frankens view, which is just as bad as when leftists were complaining to pizza hut to try and get Rush off of the commercials.

If Franken can be successful, fine. Although I doubt he will be.

 

[414Flyer]

Anyone heard "Democracy Now!"? I caught the show the day after Schwarzenegger won the recall vote in California.

Funny, you would think a vote that had huge voter turnout, and was a real expression of Democracy, would have been celebrated on there, at least according to their show title.

Nope, you could hear the sorrow and tears and complaining over the radio. Maybe the show should have been called "Democracy Now, but only if it is of the left!"

All they could do was complain about the people being misled and about the media. That show could probably make a lot of NPR look right wing.

 

[sqwkvfr]

If you don't like the liberal radio show, turn if off. Also, if you think it's a non-starter, just think about what Limbaugh has to say. He talks about welfare recipients being degenerates, blacks only improving their lots in life due to affirmative action, thinks drug addicts are burdens on the wealthy, thinks Reagan was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and that tax cuts are the answer for ALL economic ills.

YOU are COMPLETELY WRONG.

I'm just curious, where do you get off spreading this crap? You know, it's kinda funny how this "monster" image of Rush Limbaugh that was started by a few rabid, vicious leftists who believe that all conservatives are racist, bigotted, homophobes keeps building on itself by people like you who think that they can say almost anything about an outspoken conservative with strong beliefs and get away with it.

I'm by no means afraid to admit that I listen to Rush daily, and I can tell you that he's consistent in his beliefs and interjects a lot more intellectual honesty than your types are willing to give him credit for. I also think that it's kinda funny how some in the media take a statement that a conservative makes, blows it out of context, creates an uprourious outrage, and drops it. Meanwhile 5 or 6 months later, everyone's saying, "you know, that guy was actually right."

I don't believe in affirmative action....I think it's condescending and racist to tell a person that he/she needs extra help just because they're not white. A lot of conservatives (and Rush is leading the charge here) think that affirmative action does far more damage to the people that it's trying to help that it will ever do good. I want to see you post a quote where Limbaugh said that certain races are only getting ahead because of affirmative action......I listen all day every day and his message is nowhere near what you're saying.

The liberals talk about a colorblind society, but they're doing everything they can to prevent it from occouring and they're giving a voice to the real crazies such as the militant reparations groups.

I've got pages of responses for your other statements, but i'm gonna save it and offer you a challenge: Why don't you pull up some in-context lexis/nexis quotes and back up that garbage you posted?

Don't bother with the Reagan stuff......we all know who's responsible for rocking the Soviet Union back on it's heals and showing them how serious we were about not taking their BS. I'm 30...and I admire that man far more than any other president in my lifetime.......he truly was one of the greatest.

 

[N2264J]

Liberal network...

Fox news, on the other hand, welcomes an NPR reporter on a regular basis: Maura Liasson.

Are you asserting that Maura Liasson is a liberal?

Can anyone say that there are a half dozen conservatives on NPR? I didn't think so.

They interview conservatives all the time. So does Terry Gross. David Brooks and Kevin Phillips provide regular commentary on NPR.

 

[LAZYB]

Hey! Al Franken your friggin...

15 minutes of fame went over a couple of minutes. We're going to deduct it from your account. AND it was all over some time ago. Move on.

Even though I loathe their ethics, I would listen in if the show was intelligently done.

For example, if Dennis Miller was a liberal, the show could have some possibilities.

Big mistake signing Franken. He's a walking parody of himself.

And skits making fun of Ann Coulter and Rush?
Since when does this constitute real discourse?

Rush doesn't spend too much time picking on Franken, really.

Rush goes after the politicians themselves, with facts.
A liberal comedy show whose specialty is name calling and hatcheting conservative comentators?

Now we know who the real intellectuals are.

I've seldom been in a debate with a liberal who could go more than three sentences without juvenile name-calling.

They are entitled to their opinions, but why should I heed anything they say when it is all based on raw emotion and wishful thinking?

Liberal thought - the junk food of philosophy.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Alan Colmes is not a shill, he's a real liberal.

Who rarely gets to talk. (C'mon, I've seen the show. Colmes is like the TSA: window dressing.)

 

[Tim47SIP]

They are likely going to cash in right away on Bush-bashing, as this is quite a popular activity to dirty, terrorist-loving, French-wine-drinking liberals such as myself.

You know, I never thought we would agree on something, but you got me on this one!

A few weeks ago I was in DC touring the Mall. In front of the Capital Building was about 20 or so war protesters. I went over to see the action and guess who was there filming. It was CNN. I sort of wondered why they would be filming 20 idiots chanting 1960's "What do we hate-war, what do we want-peace". It sounded very pathetic as you could only hear the guy with the megaphone while the 20 or so protesters sounded like a sick 3 or 4. Well, I left because nothing was happening. When I got home I couldnt believe what I saw. On CNN, they reported it as a massive war protest. The film showed very carefully positioned shots of a few heads at a time. What was sort of funny was that they left the audio as is and you could certainly hear that there were only a handfull of people chanting. It was later reported on NPR and you could also hear that there were only a few chanters. Maybe they were using the Lewis Farikan (sp?) method of math.
Now if thant isn't slanted I dont know what is?

 

[Moonfly201]

I am sure this new liberal radio show will be funded by someone at least until the election. Then, it will die because liberal radio cannot attract enough listeners to maintain a decent base of advertising dollars. No profit, no radio show.

The rabid anti-Bush crowd will have seven more months of Bush bashing via AM radio. I can hear them frothing from the mouth already.

 

[mar]

Ah, slowly our eyes open...

Well, I left because nothing was happening. When I got home I couldnt believe what I saw. On CNN, they reported it as a massive war protest. The film showed very carefully positioned shots of a few heads at a time.

Now you don't really believe CNN was trying to help the protesters by making their demonstration seem larger and more *dramatic* than it really was, do you?

Nah, no more than they're trying to help a group of Muslim fanatics futher their cause by burning and stomping on a American flag.

An experience like that really makes you wonder where the fanatics got the flag? From the local 7-11? And who brought the matches?

Ask yourself, as these protests are depicted, are they telling me anything? Are they teaching me anything? Or is it just titillation? Entertainment? Something to grab my attention so that I'll sit through the next round of relentless advertising?

Headline News.

You get what you ask for. Just the Headline. Just the attention-getter. Draw them in but don't bore them with analysis 'cause then they'll switch the channel.