I think we've all know for quite some time that our networks and cable news channels are not providing news. I can't remember the last time a network or cable news journalist actually broke a story. They are in the entertainment business for ratings and profit while under the guise of news reporting. Well we now have proof of how it is done on the inside!! E-MAILS!!!
Over at TPM there is a block-buster story regarding Gov. Sanford and how the producer's of network news, cable news show, and some blogs would allow the Gov. to spin his affair/appalachian hiking story to his advantage if he would agreed to go onto their shows to do interviews Spin for Access Story. Here are some of the quotes per Zachery Roth:
Ann Edelberg, a producer at MSNBC, wrote to Sanford press secretary Joel Sawyer to say:
"Of course the Gov has an open invite to a friendly place here at MJ, if he would like to speak out."
MJ refers to Morning Joe, the MSNBC show hosted by former GOP congressman Joe Scarborough, and also frequently featuring hardcore right-winger Pat Buchanan.
Politico's Jonathan Martin, after making a few inquiries to Sawyer, wrote sycophantically:
"Jakie causing you guys problem?"
That's a reference to state Sen. Jake Knotts, who had first raised questions about the governor's whereabouts.
Contrast that with real investigative journalism
And John O'Connor of The State, the paper that led the reporting on this story throughout, and would the next day bust Sanford at the airport upon his return from Argentina, bombarded the hapless Sawyer with a litany of pointed questions, including
"will the governor publicly discuss the trip?," "what was the governor going to write?,"
"why did it take so long to get an answer about where the governor was?," "where did he plan to travel?," "how far did he plan to hike? with whom?," "are their (sic) issues in the Sanford marriage?," and, "can we see his passport?"
I am not even going to add on about the Washington Post and their "Salons". Selling access to lobbyist for face time with the movers and shakers in Washington. If anyone thinks that is an isolated incident...think again.
These guys are exchanging short term gain with long term consequences. They sold the American Public out along time ago. Some of us are just now realizing it. There is a reason that the news audience is getting smaller and smaller. The average person doesn't trust the integrity of the MSM. Period. But...real news will always find a way. Thus, the invention of websites and blogs. They are becoming more and more relevant and will continue to do so as stories like these are being exposed.
UPDATE: Hey guys I am just trying to pass on information to spread the word. For those of you who I thought would not go to the link I cut and pasted most of the article into this article to make sure you saw and read the information. I'm not exactly sure how to cite the article in this diary. Zachery Roth over at TPM wrote the article except for white I've highlighted in bold. My apologies.
UPDATE 2: I've tried to make adjustments as some diarists recommended. I hope you all read the link. It's a quick read. I also hope you find the substance of this article useful.