Feste, IS RIGHT.
Americans that desire to remain alive and free, should be fighting the media on all fronts.
A free media does not mean they have the right to be traitorous, providing islam one more means of infiltrating OUR society.
I am afraid it may be too late. Islam is making inroads on all fronts, and the fanatical breastbeating can be heard all around the world.
For those who only read, action, in the form of any type of support for the American way of freedom, is better than nothing. DONT JUST SIT THERE!! GET UP, BE HEARD!!
Because the rest of the planet is too stupid to do anything about it, does not mean Americans are. At least I hope not.

I worked in news radio for six years and I have a bit of a perspective on this topic.

We had a listner hot line at a station I worked at in Denver. Basically, listeners could call this line directly and leave their own comments about the station and how we were doing. We were told that if we got calls from people expressing their opinion of the station to direct them to this line where they could leave a voice mail (that's all it was, a voice mail, not a real person). Here's the catch: we never listened to it. We'd wait until the voice mail was full and then delete all the messages. The real purpose of the listener comments line was to get rid of the callers who complained.

My point is this: The news networks don't care about their listeners. The typically attitude of most of them is that we are all stupid. We do nothing but sit around and wait for them to tell us what to do. We can complain all we want, but they really don't give a damn about what we think. This was an attitude I witnessed during my stint in the business.

These guys tick me off too, Feste, but from my experience they won't listen to our complaints. So what can we do? The best thing we can do is not watch the lefty networks. In this great information age we live in, we have a multitude of media outlets in which to obtain information. The internet is a wonderful resource for news. We don't need the CBSABCNBCPBSCNN. We can get our news elsewhere. People are already doing this, as network news rating have been dropping steadily over the years. This is the only real way we can send these clowns the message - quite being so fricking biased and get back to the hardcore news.

"Dishonors the world's oldest profession" ? Wrong on both counts. Otherwise great article, good point.

Bush has turned fine young Americans into monsters. The fact that the Media is finally telling the truth doesn't change a thing. These people will be coming home eventually, with a new moral compass - forged in Abu Grahb and Fallujah - that will take years of therapy to re-program.

Some in this forum, who still live in a Bushite fantasy world where bombs don't kill babies, and all soldiers are angels, and GOP politicians don't lie, are understandably distraught. Their worldview is disintigrating before their eyes. To this I say, it's about time!

GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND AMERICA! BUSH IS RUINING OUR COUNTRY.

[cross-posted from LGF]
OT, but important:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/29/abc.nightline/index.html

CNN says that Sinclair Group is refusing to broadcast Ted Koppel's shameful attack on the US effort in Iraq. In their typical leftist slant, they indicate that this has generated a torrent of negative reactions from viewers.

Sinclair Broadcast Group has ordered its seven ABC stations not to broadcast Friday's "Nightline" that will air the names and photographs of the more than 500 U.S. troops killed in the Iraq war.
...
Sinclair's decision, announced Thursday, drew angry calls from the public and a sharp response from ABC News.
...
"I have not gotten one positive response," said an assignment desk editor at WSYX, the ABC station in Columbus, Ohio.

http://sbgi.net

Sinclair's memo on the decision indicates not only patriotism, but an honest perspective on why Koppel and ABC were so set on this presentation:

While Sinclair would support an honest effort to honor the memory of these brave soldiers, we do not believe that is what "Nightline" is doing. Rather, Mr. Koppel and "Nightline" are hiding behind this so-called tribute in an effort to highlight only one aspect of the war effort and in doing so to influence public opinion against the military action in Iraq.

I have written (in the absence of a better address) to the Investor Relations department to express my suppport for the move, and I strongly suggest that all readers here do the same:

Corporate Headquarters
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
10706 Beaver Dam Road
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030
410-568-1500 (Main Telephone)
410-568-1533 (Main Fax)

Investor Relations Contact
Lucy A. Rutishauser
VP Corporate Finance and
Corporate Treasurer
investor@sbgi.net

We always complain that the media is engaged in a war against our efforts at home and abroad, and especially against President Bush. If we're to ever have a chance at turning the tide, we have to let broadcasters know that we support decisions such as these, and oppose the ones that lead to the broadcast of propaganda disguised as news.

I also went to the websites of the affiliate stations mentioned in the CNN article and forwarded a similar letter.

Please, ladies and gentlemen, do your part.

-BF

Anyone rember Hurst and his machinations? How about Yellow Journalism ... it is a historical fact that Journalism is Propagand's clever half-brother. Unbiased reporting is unprofitable. Today's media outlets are just a variety of entertainment publicaitons. If someone, anyone came out with a 'Just the Facts' news feed, it would soon be squashed. Am I jaded? Perhaps. Disapointed? Certainly. Suprised? Never.

Cool Tester: That's why we must write the advertisers. They are businessmen with shareholders and boards, they do not want to be associated with a negative "product".

It's a given that broadcasters are weasels, it's the nature of the business. But they answer to boards as well, and must produce a positive cash flow from programs such as 60 Minutes and Nightline.

Our strength is in our collective wallets. Money talks, bullsh*t walks.

Blah blah blah blah blah. Blah, blah, blah blah blah Halliburton. Blah blah, blah blah blah blah.

Blah blah, blah blah blah blah Cheney. Blah blah blah, Fallujah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Hitler blah blah, blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah cluster bombs blah blah. Blah blah, blah blah blah blah Halliburton. Blah blah blah blah blah blah...

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH AMERICA! BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BUSH!!!!!

john mccain's response to sinclair refusing to air the broadcast:


I write to strongly protest your decision to instruct Sinclair's ABC affiliates to preempt this evening's Nightline program. I find deeply offensive Sinclair's objection to Nightline's intention to broadcast the names and photographs of Americans who gave their lives in service to our country in Iraq.

I supported the President's decision to go to war in Iraq, and remain a strong supporter of that decision. But every American has a responsibility to understand fully the terrible costs of war and the extraordinary sacrifices it requires of those brave men and women who volunteer to defend the rest of us; lest we ever forget or grow insensitive to how grave a decision it is for our government to order Americans into combat. It is a solemn responsibility of elected officials to accept responsibility for our decision and its consequences, and, with those who disseminate the news, to ensure that Americans are fully informed of those consequences.

There is no valid reason for Sinclair to shirk its responsibility in what I assume is a very misguided attempt to prevent your viewers from completely appreciating the extraordinary sacrifices made on their behalf by Americans serving in Iraq. War is an awful, but sometimes necessary business. Your decision to deny your viewers an opportunity to be reminded of war's terrible costs, in all their heartbreaking detail, is a gross disservice to the public, and to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is, in short, sir, unpatriotic. I hope it meets with the public opprobrium it most certainly deserves.

Spin, spin, watch them spin. Bush is in the middle of a folp flip that makes Kerry look like the amateur he is. He is stealing the democratic position on Iraq. The UN is going to take over, we are retreating when we get attacked and Saddam's Thugs are taking over in Fallujah. Bush could have done all this 18 months ago and saved 150 billion dollars and 700 of the nation's finest citizens lives. Talk about a flip-flop. My first presendial vote was for Goldwater-LeMay. A little to far left for me, but I thought they aere better then the other fellow. History showed I was right. The Only Republican I didn't vote for was Bush the elder. I read his Lips. Ross was a better choice anyway. So I am hardly a limp wristed Liberal. I will either stay home or vote for Kerry this time around. America needs a President with the balls to pull the trigger when we have the rats cornered. Bush has proven he won't. I doubt that Kerry will, but there is room for doubt. At least with Kerry, he won't be getting us into a war that he had no intention of winning. Bush is all hat and no cattle. Talks tough, but when the chips were down in Fallujha, he cut and ran. Leaving America with a lost war and trillions of dollars in debt. Talks like a Republican , but walks like a democrat.

CBS was right to run the story of prisoner abuse. They held off on it, at the request of the Defense Department, for a month while the Sadr and Fallujah revolts were in full swing. Now that the coalition is getting a handle on the revolts, the Department of Defense is cooperating with the reports. The only way you make it crystal clear what is, and is not, tolerated behavior is to make public examples when something like this happens.

The American military is supposed to be better than their enemies when it comes to the treatment of prisoners. Unlike the false furor over Guantanamo, this happened. I trust the military to fix it. They've made a good start on it, by all reports.

ABC's Report served what purpose,exactly? Other than to incite those who want to hate.

I could see if the problem was being ignored by the military, then the press is right to shine the biggest light they have on the situation, but that is not how it went down.

The Military had discovered this on their own. They are in the respectable process of cleaning house both for what has happened and to prevent future abuse.

Why is this story not about how an honest military deals with reports of abuse?

That is the real news.

Why are all of you afraid for the shining light of truth on American attrocities in Iraq????

Why are we in Iraq in the first place? They never attacked us. We should put more troops in Afghanistan. Better yet, bring ALL the troops back home where they can be safe and sound.

I think its a good thing. Better than hiding behind closed doors.

Sinclair?s memo on the decision indicates not only patriotism, but an honest perspective on why Koppel and ABC were so set on this presentation:

CENSORSHIP

"These guys tick me off too, Feste, but from my experience they won’t listen to our complaints. So what can we do? The best thing we can do is not watch the lefty networks."

Cool Tester--exactly! Aside from coverage of breaking news (9/11, for instance) I haven't watched a network news show in longer than I can remember. Nor do I read the traditional newsmags like Time, Newsweek, etc. I can get more news, faster, and with less filler (and less not-so-subtle propaganda) from many other sources.

Part of the reason they're being more blatant is that they're more desperate. They're losing audience, and even worse--what audience they have is less credulous in this world of ever more numerous alternatives to the traditional media. Eventually they'll be left preached to the choir and the terminally clueless. Everyone else--EVERYONE else--will be getting news from a lot of other sources.

ABC?s Report served what purpose,exactly? Other than to incite those who want to hate.

I bet many military personel and their families will be watching. It will be seen as a solemn testimony to all those who have given their lives for their country. Very Patriotic, don't you think?

Very Patriotic, don’t you think?

Every bit as patriotic as your comment.

Is there any place that lists the major sponsors of these networks?

feste: Patriotic regardless. You can spin it any way you'd like, but for many families it will be a moving moment. What you guys are afraid of is a turn in public opinion from the American People after they get a chance to really consider the cost.

feste: You consider CENSORSHIP to be Patriotic?

Censorship? Come on. The government has not exercised any prior restraint on anyone. Sinclair and ABC are disagreeing on who will air what when, but if Teddy Koppel can read the names without being criminally charged for it, then it isn't censorship.

gus3: You think this is a ratings issue?

Anthony: stand next to your mother at your brother's military burial service and then get back to me.

Don't speak for military famlilies, you don't know jack about them.

To: investor@sbgi.net

I write to be counted in support of your decision not to carry the Nightline program naming fallen American military personnel. Most of these men and women believed in the war effort to the point of willingly putting their lives on the line for it and would be aghast at being used as pawns to undermine our resolve in seeing it through.

Given the bias revealed by his past statements, Ted Koppel's claims of pure motives lack credibility. In such a situation an honorable man would drop the idea. As he has not done so, Sinclair Broadcast Group has every right to be a conscientious objector.

Please forward this message internally as needed.


All the best,

Alan Furman
Sunnyvale, California

Ted Koppel isn't a military leader or a religious leader or a political leader or a community leader, and therefore has no standing to lead a public dirge. Ted Koppel is a journalist, and although I don't really know what his little show is, I know what it isn't: it isn't journalism.

:jackson

I find it fasinating that Koppels' program airs during sweepsweek. Not to mention that it airs on the eve of the fall of Sagion.

Maybe I'm wrong. But I see the real chickenhawks frothing at the mouth. Koppel happens to be one of them.

Finally, "We need a real president who has the balls to take action as needed". Wait until some terriost shoves explosives up your ass, and you want have any balls. I dare say that much will be left of you.

Except the LEFT.

Journalism is about the truth ... something that is lacking from most US media today.

If you can handle the truth about whats going on it Iraq, take a look:

http://www.infowars.com/print/iraq/iraqi_torture.htm

http://www.infowars.com/print/iraq/casualty_photos.htm

Joe: Do you really think we are that so stupid and ill informed that we are unaware of these images and the reality they represent? Go peddle your death p0rn elsewhere.

For those of you who do not understand why many of us are angry with Koppel, please read Sgt. Jacob Lee Butler's story and ask yourself if the Bulters are waiting to have their son validated by Nightline.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/special_packages/iraq/families/7540244.htm?1c

Have you noticed that CBS and its Demon cohorts have silenced (Temporarily) the exposure of Hanoi John for what he did?

CBS is using the same tactics that Slimy John used in the 1971 Senate hearing? Can we finally recognize that these people must be removed from all media forever? They have NO SHAME and will TELL ANY LIE that is damaging to the military and to America as a whole.

I prefer to wait for the military justice sysyrm to run its course. CBS prefers to DO ANYTHING that gets American military people killed.

It is time to economically obliterate that company and its corporate parent with a massive boycott of them and all of their advertisers. Loss of money is ALL that they understand.

"It is time to economically obliterate that company and its corporate parent with a massive boycott of them and all of their advertisers"

Hahahaha! I hope you weren't planning on buying an American car anytime soon! Way to show your patriotism!

Yes, I am a Patriot and will boycott all advertisers on CBS.

x, Your rantings prove that you, on the other hand are a proven enemy of anything decent in humanity.

hey leaddoog, i just saw an ad for president bush on cbs! uh oh, is your head going to explode now?

Rich,

I will believe the leftys are serious about the mistreatment of prisoners when they get out and start marching against the mistreatment of Americans in American prisons.

Did I mention the drug war?

I think Charlie Rose has a good sense of journalism. I think I'll go see what he's up to these days.

The media seems to have lost it's understanding of what is right and what is wrong.

Where's the Ed Morrow of today when we need him?

Global Emergency Service*

If only we could have 100% of the media broadcasting our neocon propaganda 24 hours a day the world would be a better place and we could enjoy our great democracy.

LOL

Wake up...wake up!

Truth

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