Anyone seen the terrible, undemocratic things those naughty "Loyal Putinists" are doing in Russia? Why, they're interfering with the freedom of the press! Consider:
50% Good News Is the Bad News in Russian Radio
ANDREW E. KRAMER
Published: April 22, 2007
MOSCOW, April 21 — At their first meeting with journalists since taking over Russia’s largest independent radio news network, the managers had startling news of their own: from now on, they said, at least 50 percent of the reports about Russia must be “positive.”
Aren't you glad this couldn't happen here?
Moyers resurrects a leaked NBC memo about Donahue's firing that claimed he "presents a difficult public face for NBC in a time of war. At the same time our competitors are waving the flag at every opportunity."
(Source: Editor and Publisher 'Devastating' Moyers Probe of Press and Iraq Coming)
But hey, Its OK If You're A Republican - or one of their stenographers
Bill Moyer's report summarizes the Iraq War run-up, painting an ugly picture:
While much of the evidence of the media's role as cheerleaders for the war presented here is not new, it is skillfully assembled, with many fresh quotes from interviews (with the likes of Tim Russert and Walter Pincus) along with numerous embarrassing examples of past statements by journalists and pundits that proved grossly misleading or wrong. Several prominent media figures, prodded by Moyers, admit the media failed miserably, though few take personal responsibility.
The war continues today, now in its fifth year, with the death toll for Americans and Iraqis rising again -- yet Moyers points out, "the press has yet to come to terms with its role in enabling the Bush Administration to go to war on false pretenses."
(Source: Editor and Publisher 'Devastating' Moyers Probe of Press and Iraq Coming
However, this is just one variation on a theme. These days, the advertising department runs the news organization, and whatever makes the rich and powerful happy is what gets on the front page:
Maureen Dowd Devotes Whole Column To Edwards' Hair
By Greg Sargent | bio
As we've griped far too many times, your pundits and commentators simply refuse to acknowledge their own role in shaping public perceptions of politicians. Case in point: Maureen Dowd, who devotes an entire column today to John Edwards' hair.
Lets face it, folks, it isn't a bunch of clueless pundits and commentators - it's a bunch of "good Germans" following orders to keep their high-paying jobs.