Today…
FNC’s Jon Scott and FNC’s Kelly Wright…
Final Tally: Scott…
Archive for March, 2009
Fox and Friends not Liable in Defamation Suit…
Posted in FNC on March 31, 2009 by icn2MediaShift’s Jeffrey D. Neuberger writes about the results of the Lavesque v. Doocy suit…
When the defendants moved to dismiss the case, the federal district court in Maine concluded that some of the statements made by the hosts of the program about Levesque could be found by a jury to be defamatory and false. However, because Levesque, as a school principal, was a “public official,” he had to meet a more stringent standard to recover in a defamation suit. The district court ruled Levesque could not show that the statements were made with “actual malice,” and thus his defamation action was dismissed. In its March 19 ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals substantially agreed with the district court and upheld the order dismissing the case.
MSNBC hires Carlos Watson as a news anchor…
Posted in MSNBC on March 31, 2009 by icn2Here’s the release…
CARLOS WATSON JOINS MSNBC AS DAYSIDE ANCHOR
NEW YORK – March 31, 2009 – Carlos Watson joins MSNBC as a dayside anchor, it was announced by Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC. Watson, who has been a contributor to the network for the last several months, will offer his unique take on politics and the news of the day. Watson will also continue to appear on “Morning Joe.”
“Carlos has been a fresh and distinctive voice on the network and I’m thrilled to welcome him to MSNBC,” says Griffin.
“We’re living through a dynamic moment in American politics,” Watson says. “And MSNBC is redefining cable news. I’m excited to join them, especially at this historic time.”
Watson’s television career is built on a broad and impressive background. In 2003, Watson was recruited into television, first as host of CNBC’s “The Edge with Carlos Watson” and later as one of CNN’s main political analysts. Best known for his coverage of the 2004 presidential election, Watson also wrote CNN.com’s main political column. In 2006, Watson founded his own production company to develop Conversations with Carlos Watson, a Hearst-backed series of celebrity interview specials. The show earned an Emmy, a Gracie and two Telly Awards.
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March Numbers: CNBC…
Posted in CNBC on March 31, 2009 by icn2CNBC is noting its March and Q1 numbers…
CNBC 1st quarter ’09 results:
CNBC’s Business Day (M-F 5AM-7PM ET) had its BEST 1st quarter since 1st quarter 2001 in total viewers (332,000) and was up 8% from 1st quarter ‘08 (308,000). In adults 25-54, Business Day (96,000) was up 16% from 1st quarter ‘08 (83,000), with its BEST 1st quarter since 1st quarter ‘07. And, these only reflect CNBC’s measured ratings; Nielsen doesn’t measure out-of-home ratings, where most of CNBC’s Business Day viewing takes place in locations such as executive offices, offices, trading floors, restaurants, and health clubs.
M-F Prime (M-F 7P-2A) had its best overall quarter since 1st quarter ‘03 in total viewers (217,000) and was up 5% from 1st quarter ’08 (206,000). In adults 25-54, M-F Prime (93,000) was up 9% from 1st quarter ’08 (77,000) with its best overall quarter since 1st quarter ’07.
March 2009
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Press Releases: 03/31/09
Posted in Press Releases on March 31, 2009 by icn2CNN (1)
Kathy O’Hearn Returns to CNN to Helm New Christiane Amanpour Show
Award-winning producer Kathy O’Hearn has been tapped by CNN to executive produce chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour’s forthcoming program on CNN International, it was announced today by Tony Maddox, executive vice president and managing director of CNN International.
O’Hearn, who has more than 30 years of experience producing for both broadcast and cable networks, returns to CNN in preparation for the September launch of the New York-based, half-hour weekday program set to air during European prime-time on CNN International and on Sunday afternoons on CNN/U.S.
“Kathy and Christiane will make a formidable team,” said Maddox. “By combining Kathy’s track record of news-making interviews and award-winning show production with Christiane’s journalistic tenacity and global recognition, we have created a signature show that will be the heart of the schedule.”
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March Numbers: HLN
Posted in HLN on March 31, 2009 by icn2HLN is noting its March Numbers…
In March, HLN achieved the largest growth of any cable news network in primetime (M-Su and M-F) in the key P25-54 demo and among total viewers. HLN grew +64% (prime M-Su) and an impressive +74% (prime M-F) in P25-54 and increased +51% and +64% respectively among total viewers. In total day, HLN was up 22% among total viewers and 40% in P25-54. The network also showed tremendous growth across primetime, increasing 30% or more for every weekday hour from 7 pm-12 am in the P25-54 demo, including a +108% increase at 8:00 pm (Nancy Grace).
Q1 2009 served as HLN’s best first quarter ever in both total day and primetime, in total viewers and the key P25-54 demo. This was also the best P25-54 primetime quarterly performance in network history.
Q1 2009 HLN Program Highlights vs. Q1 2008:
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March Numbers: CNN…
Posted in CNN on March 31, 2009 by icn2CNN is noting its March numbers. CNN also included a chart noting its Q1 numbers going back to Q1 2004.
CNN POSTS BEST MARCH AND Q1 SINCE 2003
CNN TOPS MSNBC BY 43% IN MARCH IN TOTAL DAY, TOTAL VIEWERS
CNN GROWS 17% IN Q1 09 TOTAL DAY
HLN Has Largest Growth (64%) in Cable News in March Primetime; Delivers Best Q1 in its History
CNN Digital Network Remains #1
CNN:
For the month of March 2009, CNN grew off its successful March 2008 election year audience increasing by a solid +9% in total viewers and +1% among P25-54 in total day – posting its best March total day performance since March 2003 (Iraq War). In March, in total day, CNN averaged 638K total viewers, a 43% advantage over MSNBC’s average of 446K. FNC had 1.216 million total viewers. Additionally, CNN has a +16% lead over MSNBC (195K vs. 168K) among P25-54 in total day. In March primetime (M-Su), CNN topped MSNBC with 985K total viewers, MSNBC followed with 955K and HLN had 623K; FNC posted 2.346 million.
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March Numbers: MSNBC…
Posted in MSNBC on March 31, 2009 by icn2MSNBC is noting its March numbers…
MSNBC BEATS CNN IN PRIMETIME FOR FIRST TIME EVER
MSNBC Out-Rates CNN in March in Both Total Viewers and A25-54 For First Time in Weekday Primetime
MSNBC Also Out-Rates CNN in Sales Prime Among A25-54
MSNBC #1 News Network Among Young Viewers, Adults 18-34, in Primetime
“Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” “The Rachel Maddow Show” and “Morning Joe” Beat CNN
NEW YORK – March 31, 2009 – For the first time ever, MSNBC beat CNN in weekday primetime for the month of March in both total viewers and Adults 25-54, according to data from Nielsen Media Research. MSNBC was also the number one cable news network among younger viewers, Adults 18-34, in primetime in March, and in the morning. In March, MSNBC also beat CNN at 8 p.m. among both total viewers and A25-54 with “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” at 9 p.m. in A25-54 with “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and 6-9 a.m. in A25-54 with “Morning Joe” for the first time since August 2001. Following are MSNBC ratings highlights for March and for 1Q:
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CNN: Your source for straight news?
Posted in CNN on March 31, 2009 by icn2MediaPost’s Wayne Friedman writes about CNN and its rumored 3rd place finish in March…
But both Fox and MSNBC execs would seem to agree that TV viewers are more in need of opinions about facts than ever before. What about the facts themselves? That’s a murky area.
It’s not so surprising this trend comes while the growing blogosphere offers the same deal: lots of opinion compared to a paucity — or at least, harder to find — reports that are just about facts.
But all these opinions can be dangerous, leading to myths, assertions, and claims that are difficult to trace. Then where are we? In fiction-land, that’s where. So CNN continues to moves in the middle, a strategy it hopes will bring in a broader news viewer. The downside is that it might become a niche of the overall TV news business.
Though in third place in prime time, CNN says it is solidly in second place when looking at total day viewership. Of greater importance, CNN also says it has better reach among consumers than all its cable news rivals when considering all its media platforms.
MSNBC and 10pm…
Posted in MSNBC on March 31, 2009 by icn2Following up on yesterday’s AP news, the AP’s David Bauder expands on the story of MSNBC dropping 10pm expansion plans for now…
MSNBC may give up entirely on the idea of putting a new live show in that time slot, Griffin said.
“We’re not going to mess with it until we see where it levels off,” he said. “It places the burden, if we are going to put a show there, (for it) to be a big show because the repeat of ‘Countdown’ is doing so well.”
The statistics have taken MSNBC by surprise. Griffin said it seems many viewers who are putting children to bed or are otherwise busy at 8 p.m. prefer to watch at 10.
NBC News has a big financial incentive to keep things the way they are. It costs the network nothing to show the rerun, while a new program would cost millions of dollars for on-air talent and production costs.
Cenk Uygur, one of “The Young Turks,” said he believed MSNBC would do even better in the ratings with a new show but he understood the decision.
“I’m not put off by that,” he said. “We’re in a good position. We’re almost certain to get on TV one way or another.”
Zurawik vs. Van Susteren…
Posted in FNC on March 31, 2009 by icn2This has been going on for a while now, but the latest shot was fired by David Zurawik. It probably won’t be the last…
Memo to Fox News management: Get Greta Van Susteren some anger management help before she does serious damage to someone, herself or your news channel’s brand identity.
Van Susteren, who has bared her attack dog teeth more than once against me and this blog since I dared to criticize her cotton-candy interview of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last fall, is out of control on the Web once again. Following her online attack on me for saying she was “overly friendly” in her first Palin interview, she followed up with a post attacking Howard Kurtz, media critic at the Washington Post, because he dared to quote me. But then, she tried to take the post down before anyone noticed. Only someone already had.
This time, she is railing against Politico for reporting that her husband, John Coale, helped Palin set up a political action committee.
Anchor Wars: 03/31/09
Posted in Anchor Wars 2009 on March 30, 2009 by icn2Today…
MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell and CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield…
Final Tally: O’Donnell…
Obama: Good for FNC?
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2The Tampa Tribune’s Walt Belcher writes about FNC’s success in an Obama administration…
Bill Shine, senior vice president for programming at Fox News, has said that because Obama is still enjoying a honeymoon with other media, viewers are turning to Fox, where his policies are met with skepticism.
“The economy is driving the ratings and we are asking the tough questions,” Wallace says. “Our viewers appreciate that.”
Anchor Baier adds that while conservative viewers tune to the network’s opinionated talk shows, viewers of all political persuasions are coming to the newscasts, which he says are nonpartisan.
“We do try to be fair and balanced,” says Baier, who replaced semi-retired conservative anchor Brit Hume.
“We are straight down the middle on all of our news programs,” Baier says. “Viewers are concerned about their wallets in these uncertain times. And people on both sides of the political aisle are coming to us to get the whole story.”
Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes Writes a Book…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes has released a book…
Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes released his first book, “They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick.” The book is published by Pathway Press and has already hit Amazon’s Hot New Releases list. The book is a collection of essays and stories documenting Starnes’ heart surgery, losing 150 pounds and running the New York City Marathon. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote the foreward.
“Todd’s stories will make you laugh, touch your heart and encourage you to take steps towards living a better life,” Huckabee said. “This book fits the prescription for whatever ails you. Laughter really is the best medicine.”
The book has received strong reviews from former Atlanta Journal-Constitution Deputy Editor Don Boykin, Baptist Press, and the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Todd launched “The Dipstick Tour” with a book release party in New York and is currently on the road – holding book signings in dozens of cities. The Nashville-based Media Collective is handling publicity.
Todd’s book is available at Amazon and will in Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million and Borders by April 14th. For more information, visit his website at www.toddstarnes.com
Examining The Fox Nation…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2CJR Daily’s Megan Garber basically trashes The Fox Nation concept…
If you answered all—not mostly, but all—As: Congratulations! You are an upright, productive, and worthy citizen of this great nation of ours, a freedom-fighter-in-spirit in whom the proud legacies of Jefferson and Madison and other American heroes live on. As such, you will no doubt enjoy the upright, productive, and worthy journalism of Fox Nation, launched today by Fox News and on display at TheFoxNation.com. You will no doubt appreciate having aggregated before you such specimens of fairness and balance as Townhall’s Dick Morris-penned explanation of why President Obama is “soft on terror, hard on charities” and the New York Post’s exploration of “Chris Dodd’s cavalcade of scandal.”
You’ll appreciate it so much, in fact, that you might not question whether spreading insipid Washington-themed gossip (“The Daily Beast: Who did Pelosi’s face?”) does, in fact, celebrate “core principles of tolerance, open debate, civil discourse—and fair and balanced coverage of the news.” Or whether it’s fair or balanced to slug a hard-news AP article about the Huffington Post’s new investigative journalism venture “Huffington Post to rummage through your trash.” Or whether, speaking of the HuffPost, it’s intellectually honest to completely appropriate the left-leaning aggregator’s model while stoking partisan passions by outwardly mocking it.
So happy will you be, in fact, to have an online destination for Opinions Like Yours that it might not occur to your intelligence to be insulted at the straight-faced promise Fox Nation makes of “fair and balanced coverage of the news” while its homepage prominently features an essay—by Grover Norquist—declaring that “conservatives, libertarians, and other believers in limited government have found a new home–at FOX Nation.” You might not conclude, in baffled frustration, hey, there’s nothing wrong with partisan journalism…but only if it’s up-front with its audience about its biases; only if it doesn’t try to disguise those biases under a glib motto of objectivity; only if it doesn’t perpetuate a laughable line of logic that purposely confuses conservatism with patriotism.
No new 10pm show on MSNBC?
Posted in MSNBC on March 30, 2009 by icn2The AP drops a bombshell regarding MSNBC and 10 pm…
MSNBC is putting its search for a new prime-time show on hold. It will continue to air Keith Olbermann’s talk show twice each weeknight.
With the liberal Olbermann and Rachel Maddow airing in prime time, it caused some jockeying when MSNBC chief executive Phil Griffin said earlier this year he was interested in replacing the Olbermann repeat at 10 p.m. with a live show.
Griffin says now that the repeat is doing so well in the ratings it would take something special to dislodge it.
Baloney. I don’t buy this one bit. Now’s the time to strike and put a 10pm show on the air. Take a look at the 10pm landscape at TV by the Numbers. The 10pm Countdown replay consistently comes in 3rd, by quite a distance, compared to FNC and CNN and way off of its Rachel Maddow lead in. This is not a winning strategy to maintain the status quo of MSNBC 2nd and CNN 3rd. So the real reason for this move must be something else. Possible reasons:
- MSNBC can’t find a host it likes that it thinks can pull in the numbers.
- MSNBC can find a host it likes but can’t come to terms with said host.
- NBC wants to roll the dice and gamble that it can keep costs down by not paying for a new show and new host at 10pm and still beat CNN. This is a very risky strategy because it’s betting the farm that CNN can’t regroup. That is not something I would want to risk the future on. But given that Campbell Brown is off the air for the next few months, I could see why NBC might hedge at this point. Still, I think it’s a big risk.
Beck to replace Van Susteren?
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2Portfolio’s Jeff Bercovici touches a third rail…(via J$)
Van Susteren has recently regained her lead over Cooper — just in time to get smashed by Beck, whose show, despite airing in the ghetto that is 5 p.m., is already the network’s third-highest-rated program. Meanwhile, Van Susteren’s overly close relationship to Sarah Palin — John Coates, Van Susteren’s husband, has been advising the Alaska governor on political matters — has raised embarrassing questions.
When I ran the Beck-replaces-Van Susteren scenario by sources at Fox, I was told unequivocally that it won’t happen, in part because Fox News chief Roger Ailes would be reluctant to have a prime time lineup consisting solely of men. Maybe. On the other hand, Ailes has never concerned himself much with political correctness in other contexts, and was happy enough to do away with a different sort of balance when he opted to let the network’s only prominent liberal, Alan Colmes, depart without a replacement.
Let the parlor games commence. As long as Beck out performs On The Record, this “how long until Beck replaces Greta” talk will continue. And honestly, at some point, regardless of Roger Ailes disposition regarding the gender of FNC’s primetime lineup, it will come down to basic numbers and dollars and sense will carry the day. You put your strongest shows where they’ll get the most eyeballs. And that’s primetime.
Looking at the Ratigan-CNBC debacle…
Posted in CNBC on March 30, 2009 by icn2Marketwatch’s Jon Friedman writes about the Dylan Ratigan fiasco…
The CNBC-Ratigan affair is a fascinating game of high-stakes poker, being played by two very determined parties. And who will blink first? Both sides are trying hard to take the high road, at this point, but TV is a business driven by large egos and big money.
When he talked with me about his prospects, Ratigan used the phrase, “I’m leaving CNBC because …” several times, indicating that he was headed for the door. Still, I suspect that if CNBC offered to continue the negotiations, he’d listen. It’s possible a deal could yet be worked out.
Right now, the network seems to believe that Ratigan is about to depart. When I asked CNBC spokesman Brian Steel if he wanted to offer a comment to this column, he made it sound like Ratigan and the network were on the verge of parting ways.
“We thank him for all of his quality contributions and wish him well,” Steel told me by email late on Sunday afternoon.
Ratigan would be the second high-profile CNBC figure to make headlines recently for leaving. It was widely reported that Jonathan Wald, the network’s leading news executive, had a contract dispute with the network. Officially, Wald’s last day is March 31.
Inside The Fox Nation…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz writes about The Fox Nation…
The Web site will attempt to emulate the social aspects of Facebook — as well as MySpace, which, like Fox, is owned by Rupert Murdoch — by encouraging readers to post comments and argue with one another. And the hook will be columns, blogs and videos from the likes of Bill O’Reilly, Greta Van Susteren and Hannity, which will likely draw their strongest followers.
“I don’t think this is going to be limited to die-hard Fox News fans,” Cheatwood says. When registration begins in two months, users will be asked to abide by “core principles of tolerance, open debate, civil discourse and fair and balanced coverage of the news,” with insulting comments deleted.
“If they’re critical of Fox News, that’s fine,” Cheatwood says. “You just can’t say anything that’s hateful or hurtful to someone else.”
Bill O’Reilly Interview…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2Broadcasting & Cable’s Marisa Guthrie interviews Bill O’Reilly…
Do you want Obama to fail?
No. We want him to succeed. We want to persuade him that perhaps some of his policies are not going to help him succeed.
What about all this talk of socialism? Isn’t that a little premature, since this bailout was started by the Bush administration?
I’ve never bought into the fact that Barack Obama is a socialist. I think he’s a classic liberal that believes that big government can solve the problems of society, and he wants to redistribute income. I don’t think he’s a socialist. I don’t think he wants to seize people’s property. But I do think he’s a classic committed liberal.
Do you think the socialist argument being advanced by the right-wing pundits is effective?
It raises questions about how far the government is going to be able to go in its pursuit of social engineering. So I think it’s worthy in that regard. You’re reminding people that there is a difference between the United States and Sweden. To call these people Communists and socialists, that’s as nutty as the far left calling people fascists and all of that. It’s the same kind of craziness.
Bill O’Reilly Interview…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2The Hollywood Reporter’s Paul Bond interviews Bill O’Reilly…
THR: So why do so many liberals hate Fox News?
O’Reilly: Because we beat their brains out and their representatives can’t stand up to us, so of course they’re not going to like the situation.
THR: Critics say the only reason you attack NBC is because Keith Olbermann and others there have attacked you. What say you?
O’Reilly: False. If the powerful are dishonest and peddling hate, we will expose them. Look, GE was the last company doing business with Iran while they were killing American military personnel in Iraq, and I’m not supposed to get upset about that?
THR: Who else in the media are you critical of?
O’Reilly: The New York Times, and the Associated Press at times, for slanting their hard-news reporting. If it’s on the editorial page, fine. Thomas Friedman is a brilliant guy. I got no problem with him. It’s a problem when you let it bleed over and you try to deceive and you skew your reportage to attack. Fox News is the best example. If you look at the favorable stories about us, it isn’t close to the number of positive stories about other networks. Why is that? We’re the best. We’re the most watched. Why don’t we get the same treatment as CNN, MSNBC or whatever? It’s truly ideological.
Politics, Politics, Everywhere…
Posted in Miscellaneous Subjects on March 30, 2009 by icn2The New York Times’ David Carr writes about cable news political obsession…
There is no question that the stakes are high in this presidency, and it’s hardly an epiphany that in order to feed the 24/7 beast, cable news has to turn every little thing into a big event. But something else is at work here. Gorged on ratings from a historic election and still riding on leftover adrenaline, the cable networks have steadfastly remained in campaign mode. And the hyperbolic rhythms and requirements of a cable news world have never seemed less relevant to the story at hand.
“On the cable networks, the intensity of conflict is what drives their shows, so everything is turned into a referendum,” said John D. Podesta, president of the Center for American Progress, who served as chief of staff for President Clinton and the co-chairman of the transition team for Mr. Obama. “It’s worse than it was four years ago, and its worse than it was four years before that. It’s on a new slope.”
Politics. It’s the new “car chase video”…
The Fox Nation Launches…
Posted in FNC on March 30, 2009 by icn2And so far I’m more than underwhelmed. It looks like a remade Fox News website on the main page with a few extra conservative buzzwords thrown in (“Real American Stories” comes to mind here). Only comments are added. It’s kind of a news blog I guess. Here’s the site’s stated “purpose”…
The Fox Nation was created for people who believe in the United States of America and its ideals, as expressed in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
It is a community that believes in the American Dream: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One that believes being an American is an honor, as well as a great responsibility—and a wonderful adventure.
This is a place for people who believe we live in a great country, a welcoming refuge for legal immigrants who want to contribute their talent and abilities to make our way of life even greater. We believe we should enjoy the company and support of each other, delighting in the creativity, ingenuity, and work ethic of one and all, while observing the basic rules of civility and mutual respect and, most importantly, strengthening our diverse society by striving for unity.
The Fox Nation is for those committed to the core principles of tolerance, open debate, civil discourse–and fair and balanced coverage of the news. It is for those opposed to intolerance, excessive government control of our lives, and attempts to monopolize opinion or suppress freedom of thought, expression, and worship.
We invite all Americans who share these values to join us here at Fox Nation.
It really chaps my hide to see a news organization create something like this. News is supposed to chronicle what’s going on, not organize or represent a movement, be it conservative or liberal. This is worse than MSNBC going liberal in primetime. What’s even sadder is the pandering that FNC is doing here. It’s lip service. If FNC really wanted to accomplish the things that it spelled out above, it would have gone about it in a whole different manner. This is nothing more than mere window dressing designed to attract in conservatives without really doing anything more than say “Hey Conservatives, come here!” It’s quite cynical actually…
Anchor Wars: 03/30/09
Posted in Anchor Wars 2009 on March 29, 2009 by icn2Today…
MSNBC’s Chris Jansing and MSNBC’s Chris Matthews…
Final Tally: Jansing…
What’s Hot/What’s Not: 03/29/08
Posted in What's Hot/What's Not on March 29, 2009 by icn2What’s Hot:
MSNBC beats CNN in Primetime for March – The ramifications of this bit of news is just starting to reverberate out…
Dylan Ratigan quits CNBC – This was a bombshell. Some think Ratigan is committing career suicide as he’ll never have it as good as he had it at CNBC. Others are taking a wait and see attitude. In any event it opens up a two holes for CNBC to fill and damages Fast Money as a brand.
The Fox Nation – What is it exactly? We’ll find out tomorrow…
Contessa Brewer – Brewer’s commentary this week regarding Republican budget alternatives is still playing itself out in the blogosphere…
What’s Not:
NBC News freezes raises? – We’re still not sure this is actually happening but it’s not good. And NBC News is still immensly profitable, which makes the idea of a raise freeze all the more odd…
Bill O’Reilly, Keith Olbermann, ambush interviews, and Alexa Foundation dinner fallout – At this point it’s a just a bunch of noise. Nobody is coming out of this looking good.
Twitter-gate – First Olbermann accused FNC, in a round about manner, of being behind a bogus Twitter account with his name on it. Turns out the account was being used by MSNBC. Then another account’s legitimacy came into question. At this point, I really could care less.
UPS and Think Progress – Did UPS drop Factor advertising as a result of Think Progress pressure, or not? Hard to tell at this point…
Glenn Beck Profile…
Posted in FNC on March 29, 2009 by icn2The New York Times’ Brian Stelter and Bill Carter…
we pause for a moment to note that Stelter aces out Carter for the lead writer credit…nice…
…profile Glenn Beck…
While Mr. O’Reilly, the 8 p.m. host, paints himself as the outsider and Mr. Hannity, the 9 p.m. host, is more consistently ideological, Mr. Beck presents himself as a revivalist in a troubled land.
He preaches against politicians, hosts regular segments titled “Constitution Under Attack” and “Economic Apocalypse,” and occasionally breaks into tears.
Michael Smerconish, a fellow syndicated talk show host, said that Mr. Beck “has a gift for touching the passion nerve.”
Tapping into fear about the future, Mr. Beck also lingers over doomsday situations; in a series called “The War Room” last month he talked to experts about the possibility of global financial panic and widespread outbreaks of violence. He challenged viewers to “think the unthinkable” so that they would be prepared in case of emergency.
“The truth is — that you are the defender of liberty,” he said. “It’s not the government. It’s not an army or anybody else. It’s you. This is your country.”
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Blogus Interruptus…
Posted in Blog Announcements on March 28, 2009 by icn2Headed down to Monterey. Going diving again. Blogging picks back up Sunday night…
