| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Gandalf Grey
Guest
|
 Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009 |
 |
|
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
Obama-the-candidate commented several times that voters' false views of
him -- that he's a Muslim, a socialist and unpatriotic -- were fed and
spread by Fox News and their cohorts like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and
Laura Ingraham in the far-right media. Obama understands that they are the
special sauce in Karl Rove's toxic recipe to discredit progressive policies
and politicians, and divide Americans with wedge issues.
And Obama understands that pushing back against guys like Limbaugh - who
this week blamed the president-elect for the financial crisis, calling it
"Obama's recession" - requires a bold policy agenda that uses the Internet
to pry media distribution monopolies away from the largest media companies.
Though often underreported, Obama spoke frequently about his commitment to
blocking further media consolidation, fostering more independent and diverse
media, ensuring universal high-speed Internet access, and "taking a back
seat to no one" in passing "Net Neutrality" laws to prevent Internet
providers like Comcast and AT&T from creating fast and slow lanes on the
Internet. (click here for a look at Obama's important media reform pledges
during his campaign).
The Washington Post ombudsman and others claim that the media was too kind
to Obama and hard on John McCain. This superficial analysis is both wrong
and misleading. Wrong because you had a candidate that was forcefully
embracing the policies of George W. Bush while the nation spiraled into one
of its darkest moments in its history. The idea that the press should not
exert sharp criticism of such a candidate reflects the kind of tepid
pandering that has become the hallmark of mainstream corporate media.
And misleading because the real problem is not the media favoring one
candidate over another, but rather its utter failure to practice critical
journalism. Turn on your television or radio, and it's 24/7 horserace
political coverage, partisan shouting matches, and salacious crap. There is
no effort to tell voters the difference between the candidates' rhetoric and
reality, how their proclamations match their voting records, and what their
policy proposals would actually do. While there were a few notable moments
when news outlets actually did this during the campaign, they were few and
far between.
Olbermann and Maddow's increased popularity is moving the range of debate on
cable from center-right to left-right, but radio is still overwhelmingly
right-wing, and the changes at MSNBC fall far short of a comprehensive,
long-term solution to thecrisis of journalism. Newsroom layoffs mount across
television, radio and newspapers, and omission has become the greatest
threat. There is virtually no in-depth coverage and analysis on television
of Iraq and Afghanistan, poverty, the environment and the other critical
issues facing working Americans. And despite the explosion of the Internet,
45% of American homes still have no high speed Internet, while some 65% of
Americans still cite TV as their primary news source.
Charges of liberal bias continue to strike such fear in the hearts of
corporate news editors and producers, that they continue obsessive
contortions to present both sides of every debate -- not from a factual
perspective, but from a partisan one. Even if one side of an argument is
clearly true, today's Wolf Blitzer, Charlie Gibson or Brian Williams - and
even NPR and PBS - dare not say it (such as the economic bailout being a
corrupt boondoggle for banking fatcats) and suffer the wrath of the right
wing noise machine, and pressure from their corporate bosses. In today's
media environment, the truth becomes irrelevant.
Take a walk through rural Ohio as I did this Election Day, and working-class
voters are watching Fox, reading empty newspapers running on a bare-bones
staff, and listening to radio's right-wing hate-fest. In today's media
environment, we must face the fact that if not for the financial crisis and
a disastrous GOP vice-presidential pick, this election might well have been
McCain's.
So the incoming president is excellent on media policy, and his election
allows media reform advocates to move from defense to offense. However, as
Obama inherits a severe economic crisis, two wars, and myriad other
problems, it will be too easy for media issues to get pushed down the to-do
list. And the well-financed lobbyists from the phone, cable and broadcasting
companies who supported Obama's candidacy are expecting a return on their
investment. As well they should: if you look back at the history of
Democratic presidents and media policy, there have been many
disappointments, and cause for us to be as cautious as we are optimistic.
Here's a quick list of the top policy reforms to watch in 2009 for anyone
who shares my disgust with news coverage, sky-high cable and phone bills,
and the other maladies brought by a media system dominated by the likes of
Comcast, Disney, AT&T, General Electric, Verizon, News Corporation and Time
Warner:
a.. Getting super-fast, open/neutral, affordable Internet to every home
and business in America, urban and rural, rich and poor - Internet that will
allow every website to be a television or radio network... a complete game
changer.
b.. Reversing consolidation of media ownership through tougher broadcast
license requirements and incentives for more independent, diverse and local
radio, television and print outlets.
c.. Dramatically increasing funding for public media: for PBS and NPR, as
well as community radio and television, and other noncommercial outlets.
This includes policies that better protect public media from undue political
pressures.
Now that the champagne has been put away, it's time to realize that while
disastrous members of Bush & Co. are heading towards the exits, the
disastrous members of mainstream media remain firmly in place. Ignore the
problem at your - and the nation's - peril.
Copyright © 2008 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike,
that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in
this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud
of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing
of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to
which we are committed today at home and around the world.
"
-John F. Kennedy, 1961 |
|
| |
|
 Back to top |
ZNUYBV
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 13, 10:36 pm, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
If the fairness doctrine is reinstated truth will be the first
casualty. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Christopher Helms
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 14, 12:36 am, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
Restoring it would prevent every right wing wacko in the country from
having their own radio show. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Phlip
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
Middle Class Warrior wrote:
| Quote: | This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
What you resist persists. With a blogosphere around, we don't need a
Doctrine invented in the age of movietime newsreels.
However, Orush bin Limbaugh would love you if you started actually
campaigning on behalf of that doctrine. He has been whining for years
that libruls are out to get him... |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Firelock
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 14, 1:36 am, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
Because as we all know, the fairest thing to do is to quash
the voices of those you disagree with.
--
Walt |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Kickin' Ass & Takin' Name
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 13, 2:02 pm, "527_blue_collar_worker" <blue_col...@hotmail.com>
wrote:
| Quote: |
Obama is a lying asshole!- Hide quoted text -
|
Thanks for proving the point of the original article. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Kickin' Ass & Takin' Name
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 13, 2:12 pm, ZNUYBV <tjwilson6...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | If the fairness doctrine is reinstated truth will be the first
casualty.-
|
Well, not exactly. If the fairness doctrine is enforced, at last the
truth will have equal time with the lies that we have been subjected
to for the past 20 years. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
jose
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
On Nov 13, 11:36 pm, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
|
The evil philosophies of fascism and communism
were the two great 20th century mass killers. Of
these, communism was the greatest killer. 100
million men, women and children have been murdered
by socialism so far, and the killing continues
today, notably in North Korea. In terms of body
count, socialism is by far the most evil religion,
the most evil ideology of any sort, of all time.
Behind the Iron Curtain, communists stamped out
free thought as efficiently as in any
authoritarian religious state. Communists are not
sceptics, and are atheists only superficially.
Marx and Lenin founded an irrational religion
every bit as dogmatic, credulous, and opposed to
free thought as any of the older religions they
criticised.
Today, America's rabid left seek to stamp out free
speech with a religious zeal. The so called
"Fairness Doctrine" is only a first step toward
tyranny. Next will come book banning, the
suppression of religion, and the suppression of
free-speech. Free speech is almost completely
outlawed by our universities, media and timid
citizens through "political correctness" and other
programs masked as socially sensitive. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
527_blue_collar_worker
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:02 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
"Gandalf Grey" <valinor20@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:idOdnQG7CeQf8oHUnZ2dnUVZ_rbinZ2d@earthlink.com...
| Quote: | Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal
state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors
working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
Obama-the-candidate commented several times that voters' false views of
him -- that he's a Muslim, a socialist and unpatriotic -- were fed and
spread by Fox News and their cohorts like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and
Laura Ingraham in the far-right media. Obama understands that they are the
special sauce in Karl Rove's toxic recipe to discredit progressive
policies
and politicians, and divide Americans with wedge issues.
And Obama understands that pushing back against guys like Limbaugh - who
this week blamed the president-elect for the financial crisis, calling it
"Obama's recession" - requires a bold policy agenda that uses the Internet
to pry media distribution monopolies away from the largest media
companies.
Though often underreported, Obama spoke frequently about his commitment to
blocking further media consolidation, fostering more independent and
diverse
media, ensuring universal high-speed Internet access, and "taking a back
seat to no one" in passing "Net Neutrality" laws to prevent Internet
providers like Comcast and AT&T from creating fast and slow lanes on the
Internet. (click here for a look at Obama's important media reform pledges
during his campaign).
The Washington Post ombudsman and others claim that the media was too kind
to Obama and hard on John McCain. This superficial analysis is both wrong
and misleading. Wrong because you had a candidate that was forcefully
embracing the policies of George W. Bush while the nation spiraled into
one
of its darkest moments in its history. The idea that the press should not
exert sharp criticism of such a candidate reflects the kind of tepid
pandering that has become the hallmark of mainstream corporate media.
And misleading because the real problem is not the media favoring one
candidate over another, but rather its utter failure to practice critical
journalism. Turn on your television or radio, and it's 24/7 horserace
political coverage, partisan shouting matches, and salacious crap. There
is
no effort to tell voters the difference between the candidates' rhetoric
and
reality, how their proclamations match their voting records, and what
their
policy proposals would actually do. While there were a few notable moments
when news outlets actually did this during the campaign, they were few and
far between.
Olbermann and Maddow's increased popularity is moving the range of debate
on
cable from center-right to left-right, but radio is still overwhelmingly
right-wing, and the changes at MSNBC fall far short of a comprehensive,
long-term solution to thecrisis of journalism. Newsroom layoffs mount
across
television, radio and newspapers, and omission has become the greatest
threat. There is virtually no in-depth coverage and analysis on television
of Iraq and Afghanistan, poverty, the environment and the other critical
issues facing working Americans. And despite the explosion of the
Internet,
45% of American homes still have no high speed Internet, while some 65% of
Americans still cite TV as their primary news source.
Charges of liberal bias continue to strike such fear in the hearts of
corporate news editors and producers, that they continue obsessive
contortions to present both sides of every debate -- not from a factual
perspective, but from a partisan one. Even if one side of an argument is
clearly true, today's Wolf Blitzer, Charlie Gibson or Brian Williams - and
even NPR and PBS - dare not say it (such as the economic bailout being a
corrupt boondoggle for banking fatcats) and suffer the wrath of the right
wing noise machine, and pressure from their corporate bosses. In today's
media environment, the truth becomes irrelevant.
Take a walk through rural Ohio as I did this Election Day, and
working-class
voters are watching Fox, reading empty newspapers running on a bare-bones
staff, and listening to radio's right-wing hate-fest. In today's media
environment, we must face the fact that if not for the financial crisis
and
a disastrous GOP vice-presidential pick, this election might well have
been
McCain's.
So the incoming president is excellent on media policy, and his election
allows media reform advocates to move from defense to offense. However, as
Obama inherits a severe economic crisis, two wars, and myriad other
problems, it will be too easy for media issues to get pushed down the
to-do
list. And the well-financed lobbyists from the phone, cable and
broadcasting
companies who supported Obama's candidacy are expecting a return on their
investment. As well they should: if you look back at the history of
Democratic presidents and media policy, there have been many
disappointments, and cause for us to be as cautious as we are optimistic.
Here's a quick list of the top policy reforms to watch in 2009 for anyone
who shares my disgust with news coverage, sky-high cable and phone bills,
and the other maladies brought by a media system dominated by the likes of
Comcast, Disney, AT&T, General Electric, Verizon, News Corporation and
Time
Warner:
a.. Getting super-fast, open/neutral, affordable Internet to every home
and business in America, urban and rural, rich and poor - Internet that
will
allow every website to be a television or radio network... a complete game
changer.
b.. Reversing consolidation of media ownership through tougher broadcast
license requirements and incentives for more independent, diverse and
local
radio, television and print outlets.
c.. Dramatically increasing funding for public media: for PBS and NPR, as
well as community radio and television, and other noncommercial outlets.
This includes policies that better protect public media from undue
political
pressures.
Now that the champagne has been put away, it's time to realize that while
disastrous members of Bush & Co. are heading towards the exits, the
disastrous members of mainstream media remain firmly in place. Ignore the
problem at your - and the nation's - peril.
Copyright © 2008 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues.
I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike,
that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in
this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace,
proud
of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow
undoing
of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and
to
which we are committed today at home and around the world.
"
-John F. Kennedy, 1961
Obama is a lying asshole! |
|
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Lamont Cranston
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:32 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
527_blue_collar_worker wrote:
| Quote: | Obama is a lying asshole!
|
ROTFL! Did you find the 'whitey' tape yet, KKkwifi? How
are those Larry Sinclair tapes working out for you? How
about the Rezko trial? Did that work for you?
You lost, KKKwifi. After January 20, you'll be able to say
"President Obama." You could, however, avoid that by
committing suicide. Gunshot or electrocution? |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Gandalf Grey
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:15 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
"527_blue_collar_Babs" <blue_collar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fb2dnc-BkcZJ5IHUnZ2dnUVZ_qfinZ2d@giganews.com...
| Quote: |
"Gandalf Grey" <valinor20@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:idOdnQG7CeQf8oHUnZ2dnUVZ_rbinZ2d@earthlink.com...
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal
state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology
are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors
working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
Obama-the-candidate commented several times that voters' false views of
him -- that he's a Muslim, a socialist and unpatriotic -- were fed and
spread by Fox News and their cohorts like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and
Laura Ingraham in the far-right media. Obama understands that they are
the
special sauce in Karl Rove's toxic recipe to discredit progressive
policies
and politicians, and divide Americans with wedge issues.
And Obama understands that pushing back against guys like Limbaugh - who
this week blamed the president-elect for the financial crisis, calling it
"Obama's recession" - requires a bold policy agenda that uses the
Internet
to pry media distribution monopolies away from the largest media
companies.
Though often underreported, Obama spoke frequently about his commitment
to
blocking further media consolidation, fostering more independent and
diverse
media, ensuring universal high-speed Internet access, and "taking a back
seat to no one" in passing "Net Neutrality" laws to prevent Internet
providers like Comcast and AT&T from creating fast and slow lanes on the
Internet. (click here for a look at Obama's important media reform
pledges
during his campaign).
The Washington Post ombudsman and others claim that the media was too
kind
to Obama and hard on John McCain. This superficial analysis is both wrong
and misleading. Wrong because you had a candidate that was forcefully
embracing the policies of George W. Bush while the nation spiraled into
one
of its darkest moments in its history. The idea that the press should not
exert sharp criticism of such a candidate reflects the kind of tepid
pandering that has become the hallmark of mainstream corporate media.
And misleading because the real problem is not the media favoring one
candidate over another, but rather its utter failure to practice critical
journalism. Turn on your television or radio, and it's 24/7 horserace
political coverage, partisan shouting matches, and salacious crap. There
is
no effort to tell voters the difference between the candidates' rhetoric
and
reality, how their proclamations match their voting records, and what
their
policy proposals would actually do. While there were a few notable
moments
when news outlets actually did this during the campaign, they were few
and
far between.
Olbermann and Maddow's increased popularity is moving the range of debate
on
cable from center-right to left-right, but radio is still overwhelmingly
right-wing, and the changes at MSNBC fall far short of a comprehensive,
long-term solution to thecrisis of journalism. Newsroom layoffs mount
across
television, radio and newspapers, and omission has become the greatest
threat. There is virtually no in-depth coverage and analysis on
television
of Iraq and Afghanistan, poverty, the environment and the other critical
issues facing working Americans. And despite the explosion of the
Internet,
45% of American homes still have no high speed Internet, while some 65%
of
Americans still cite TV as their primary news source.
Charges of liberal bias continue to strike such fear in the hearts of
corporate news editors and producers, that they continue obsessive
contortions to present both sides of every debate -- not from a factual
perspective, but from a partisan one. Even if one side of an argument is
clearly true, today's Wolf Blitzer, Charlie Gibson or Brian Williams -
and
even NPR and PBS - dare not say it (such as the economic bailout being a
corrupt boondoggle for banking fatcats) and suffer the wrath of the right
wing noise machine, and pressure from their corporate bosses. In today's
media environment, the truth becomes irrelevant.
Take a walk through rural Ohio as I did this Election Day, and
working-class
voters are watching Fox, reading empty newspapers running on a bare-bones
staff, and listening to radio's right-wing hate-fest. In today's media
environment, we must face the fact that if not for the financial crisis
and
a disastrous GOP vice-presidential pick, this election might well have
been
McCain's.
So the incoming president is excellent on media policy, and his election
allows media reform advocates to move from defense to offense. However,
as
Obama inherits a severe economic crisis, two wars, and myriad other
problems, it will be too easy for media issues to get pushed down the
to-do
list. And the well-financed lobbyists from the phone, cable and
broadcasting
companies who supported Obama's candidacy are expecting a return on their
investment. As well they should: if you look back at the history of
Democratic presidents and media policy, there have been many
disappointments, and cause for us to be as cautious as we are optimistic.
Here's a quick list of the top policy reforms to watch in 2009 for anyone
who shares my disgust with news coverage, sky-high cable and phone bills,
and the other maladies brought by a media system dominated by the likes
of
Comcast, Disney, AT&T, General Electric, Verizon, News Corporation and
Time
Warner:
a.. Getting super-fast, open/neutral, affordable Internet to every home
and business in America, urban and rural, rich and poor - Internet that
will
allow every website to be a television or radio network... a complete
game
changer.
b.. Reversing consolidation of media ownership through tougher broadcast
license requirements and incentives for more independent, diverse and
local
radio, television and print outlets.
c.. Dramatically increasing funding for public media: for PBS and NPR,
as
well as community radio and television, and other noncommercial outlets.
This includes policies that better protect public media from undue
political
pressures.
Now that the champagne has been put away, it's time to realize that while
disastrous members of Bush & Co. are heading towards the exits, the
disastrous members of mainstream media remain firmly in place. Ignore the
problem at your - and the nation's - peril.
Copyright © 2008 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice
issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike,
that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in
this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace,
proud
of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow
undoing
of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and
to
which we are committed today at home and around the world.
"
-John F. Kennedy, 1961
Obama is a lying asshole!
|
All evidence to the contrary. You on the other hand are a syphilitic moron.
|
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Roy Blankenship
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:31 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
"Firelock" <firelock_ny@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:195adcee-3250-45ac-8e97-dba518f35e96@r36g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
On Nov 14, 1:36 am, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal
state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media
policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology
are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part
comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors
working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
Because as we all know, the fairest thing to do is to quash
the voices of those you disagree with.
--
Walt
-----------------
Please explain to the class how presenting the other side of an issue will
"quash the voices of those you disagree with". Maybe you are afraid people
will say, "Oh, I see. So Rush wasn't really giving us the whole story, that
makes more sense now." |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Bob Eld
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:33 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
"Christopher Helms" <Chrishelms132@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:60dabb94-1f64-4835-87d9-3c5beffa6595@u18g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
On Nov 14, 12:36 am, Middle Class Warrior <eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned about the dismal
state
of media and journalism, and they will tell you that Obama's media
policy
platform is excellent: the beginning of what could be the most public
interest friendly administration in presidential history. Part of this
optimism stems from Obama's understanding that Internet and technology
are
the cornerstone of a 21st century economy and society. Another part
comes
from the competence and integrity of the media and telecom advisors
working
on his transition team. And another comes from his direct experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent points. I would also
like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This would curtail some of
the right wing demagoguery on Talk Radio.
|
Restoring it would prevent every right wing wacko in the country from
having their own radio show.
Not really. The fairness doctrine does not in any way prevent the right wing
from speaking or having their own shows. All it does is offer opposing views
on the licensed public air.. It expands freedom of speech it does not reduce
it. Of course, Limbaugh, Hannity and other right wingers oppose it. They
believe in "freedom of speech" as long as it is THEIR speech. but the
vehemently oppose anybody countering their views or challenging them.
Ownership also has to be broken up so that other broadcasters have an
opportunity to access the public air. Its ludicrous for one company to own
1600 radio stations. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
Lamont Cranston
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:05 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
Firelock wrote:
| Quote: | On Nov 14, 1:36 am, Middle Class Warrior
eeld...@gmail.com> wrote:
Gandalf Grey wrote:
Published on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by The
Huffington Post
Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in
2009
by Josh Silver
Ask just about any public interest advocate concerned
about the
dismal state of media and journalism, and they will
tell you that
Obama's media policy platform is excellent: the
beginning of what
could be the most public interest friendly
administration in
presidential history. Part of this optimism stems from
Obama's
understanding that Internet and technology are the
cornerstone of
a 21st century economy and society. Another part comes
from the
competence and integrity of the media and telecom
advisors
working on his transition team. And another comes from
his direct
experience.
This is a great article that makes several cogent
points. I would
also like to see the Fairness Doctrine reinstated. This
would
curtail some of the right wing demagoguery on Talk
Radio.
Because as we all know, the fairest thing to do is to
quash
the voices of those you disagree with.
|
That is what is currently being done by the rightwing
bobbleheads. The Fairness Doctrine wouldn't quash
anything -- it would allow both sides of issues to be
presented. |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
The Atomic Brain
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:18 am Post subject: Re: Obama, Rush Limbaugh and Fox News: A Look at Media in 20 |
|
|
"527_blue_collar_worker" <blue_collar@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fb2dnc-BkcZJ5IHUnZ2dnUVZ_qfinZ2d@giganews.com...
| Quote: | Obama is a lying asshole!
|
Want to compare BushCo's liars & crooks? |
|
| |
|
| Back to top |
|
