News Is Fox News Truly Fair and Balanced?

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The discussion revolves around the perceived biases of various news networks, particularly Fox News, and their treatment of political figures during the election cycle. Participants express skepticism about the concept of "fair and balanced" reporting, arguing that all news agencies exhibit some level of bias, often shaped by their target demographics. The conversation highlights the distinction between straight news reporting and opinion shows, with some asserting that Fox's news programs are less biased than those of competitors like CNN and MSNBC. Critics point out that Fox News has historically supported conservative candidates and policies, while others argue that it offers a broader range of opinions compared to other networks. The debate touches on specific instances of coverage, such as the treatment of Barack Obama and Sarah Palin, with accusations of favoritism and selective reporting. Overall, the thread reflects a deep divide in perceptions of media integrity and the role of bias in news reporting.
  • #51
seycyrus said:
Good humour being used to make legitimate points? Keep up the good work, I say!



Well, if you pressed him on the issue, he would probably say that he realizes that the Canucks have other uniforms as well.

But is that an important issue. He was making a joke using a visible stereotype. People making jokes usually do that.

I love how the majority of the conservative bashing has centered on what people are saying in their comedy routines!

If it's a comedy routine, quit calling it news. It isn't news and portraying "conservative commentary" as "fair and balanced news" exposes the right wing for the fraud which it has become. Keep up the little "comedy routine" - seriously. It gives the Democratic Party more votes.
 
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  • #52
Mgt3 said:
If it's a comedy routine, quit calling it news. It isn't news and portraying "conservative commentary" as "fair and balanced news" exposes the right wing for the fraud which it has become. Keep up the little "comedy routine" - seriously. It gives the Democratic Party more votes.

Excuse me?

It was a comedy segment. Did you watch the segment? Did you read the apology?

Would you, you = mgt, care to take the "News channel challenge" ?
 
  • #53
Mgt3 said:
If it's a comedy routine, quit calling it news.

Agreed, and even as comedy it sucked. It wasn't even vaguely funny. The nearest thing that I can compare it to was 'Seinfeld'; just a bunch of ignorant ***holes sitting around trying to be clever.
And before anyone can accuse me of being overly protective of the Horsemen, I loved the Dudley Doright cartoons.
 
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  • #54
Danger said:
Agreed, and even as comedy it sucked. It wasn't even vaguely funny. The nearest thing that I can compare it to was 'Seinfeld'; just a bunch of ignorant ***holes sitting around trying to be clever.
And before anyone can accuse me of being overly protective of the Horsemen, I loved the Dudley Doright cartoons.

It was HILARIOUS!

and it was a comedy segment.

Once again, only certain types of humor are allowed.

This is just like Columbia university, where everyone believes in free speech, unless the free speech is something they don't like.
 
  • #55
seycyrus said:
It was HILARIOUS!

You have got to be kidding. People with your sense of humour are probably why Seinfeld stayed on the air for more than one episode. Let me guess; your favourite meal is squirrel pie with possum gravy. :rolleyes:
 
  • #56
Danger said:
You have got to be kidding. People with your sense of humour are probably why Seinfeld stayed on the air for more than one episode. Let me guess; your favourite meal is squirrel pie with possum gravy. :rolleyes:

The humor on the daily show is FAR closer to that portrayed on Seinfeld.
 
  • #57
seycyrus said:
The humor on the daily show is FAR closer to that portrayed on Seinfeld.

With the notable exception that 'Daily' is clever and funny while 'Seinfeld' wasn't.
 
  • #58
Danger said:
With the notable exception that 'Daily' is clever and funny while 'Seinfeld' wasn't.

Quality of humor content is the same, political bias is more emphasized with the daily show, leading to your acceptance of this the daily shows humor.

Note that Seinfeld was situated in New York...

and we know how New York voted in the last few elections.

Therefore... it is obvious that Democrats all like Seinfeld!

:)
 
  • #59
The thread is about Fox but you are welcome to illustrate the bias in other media outlets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5rqdtZlec0s&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5rqdtZlec0s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yXJIV4f4ZQ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yXJIV4f4ZQ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

These are parts one and two.
 
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  • #60
Danger said:
With the notable exception that 'Daily' is clever and funny while 'Seinfeld' wasn't.
Maybe Stewart use to be funny. Now he's mostly a sanctimonious lecturer hiding behind comedy. Worse, Stewart knows many people are using his show as a news source, but he continues to relieve himself from the usual news source criticisms by running the laugh track (and his audience is a laugh track). Leno, e.g., is a comedian that does political jokes, equal opportunity barbs. Stewart's a lecturer on an inexplicably criticism free gig.
 
  • #61
mheslep said:
Maybe Stewart use to be funny. Now he's mostly a sanctimonious lecturer hiding behind comedy. Worse, Stewart knows many people are using his show as a news source, but he continues to relieve himself from the usual news source criticisms by running the laugh track (and his audience is a laugh track). Leno, e.g., is a comedian that does political jokes, equal opportunity barbs. Stewart's a lecturer on an inexplicably criticism free gig.

Stewart constantly says himself he is not a news sources, and that people should not use him for news.
 
  • #62
Skyhunter said:
The thread is about Fox but you are welcome to illustrate the bias in other media outlets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rqdtZlec0s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXJIV4f4ZQ0

These are parts one and two.

Thanks for the links. Forget Fair and Balanced. Apparently the Fox motto is a lie told often enough can pass as journalism?

Funny how Roger Ailes approach at Fox sounds so much like what went on in Citizen Cane.
 
  • #63
Speaking of classics relevant today:

 
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  • #64
seycyrus said:
Quality of humor content is the same, political bias is more emphasized with the daily show, leading to your acceptance of this the daily shows humor.

Note that Seinfeld was situated in New York...

and we know how New York voted in the last few elections.

Therefore... it is obvious that Democrats all like Seinfeld!


:)

...?
 
  • #65
seycyrus said:
The humor on the daily show is FAR closer to that portrayed on Seinfeld.

No, not really.
 
  • #66
mheslep said:
Maybe Stewart use to be funny. Now he's mostly a sanctimonious lecturer hiding behind comedy. Worse, Stewart knows many people are using his show as a news source, but he continues to relieve himself from the usual news source criticisms by running the laugh track (and his audience is a laugh track). Leno, e.g., is a comedian that does political jokes, equal opportunity barbs. Stewart's a lecturer on an inexplicably criticism free gig.

You and I probably agree that infotainment is a bad thing because it blurs the line between news and gibberish. However, while Stewart may be doing real news and commentary under the guise of comedy, Fox is a tabloid masquerading as a news agency, which is far more dangerous.
 
  • #67
Did anyone stop the video to read the whole text of the memos shown with sections highlighted. What was left out changes the meaning of the memos considerably. For instance the one about the prison in Iraq, photos of the prison and conduct there provoke outrage what was left out was the statement "and rightly so". The memo went to ask the question, where is the outrage when the terrorists abuse or torture one of their captives. Further, I wouldn't consider a group of disgruntaled ex-employees reliable sources. I am sure that you are all aware of what can be done with a statement taken out of context.

In one of the previous comments someone made the remark about you all being scientists, well take the statement "Fox News Lies" and subject it to the same scientific scrutiny that you would apply to any other "theory". Here is the specific statement made by (name the commentator) and here is the documented fact that disproves the statement.

What I can't understand is why Fox News causes the liberal left to froth at the mouth and run in circles snapping at their rear ends. Why don't they just change the channel and drink the kool aid that is passing for news on the networks.:-p
 
  • #68
Woody101 said:
Did anyone stop the video to read the whole text of the memos shown with sections highlighted. What was left out changes the meaning of the memos considerably. For instance the one about the prison in Iraq, photos of the prison and conduct there provoke outrage what was left out was the statement "and rightly so". The memo went to ask the question, where is the outrage when the terrorists abuse or torture one of their captives. Further, I wouldn't consider a group of disgruntaled ex-employees reliable sources. I am sure that you are all aware of what can be done with a statement taken out of context.

In one of the previous comments someone made the remark about you all being scientists, well take the statement "Fox News Lies" and subject it to the same scientific scrutiny that you would apply to any other "theory". Here is the specific statement made by (name the commentator) and here is the documented fact that disproves the statement.

What I can't understand is why Fox News causes the liberal left to froth at the mouth and run in circles snapping at their rear ends. Why don't they just change the channel and drink the kool aid that is passing for news on the networks.:-p

Funny how I've noticed conservatives love to use the word kool aid, never stopping to realize the kind of nonsense they are spoon fed from sources like Faux News. Sorry, the conservatives drink just as potent a kool aid, if not worse.

You really don't need to see much more of that ranting raving lunatic Bill O'Foolery to know he's a clown. He always yells at his guests. He has no class.
 
  • #69
Woody101 said:
What I can't understand is why Fox News causes the liberal left to froth at the mouth and ...

Who's frothing at the mouth? It's pretty clear that Fox distorts the News to be supportive of conservative propaganda and talking points.

The fact that they would apparently use deceit and intimidation I'd say unfortunately leaves them acting more like fascists, than anything that might mirror American ideals or values for truth, as they would hypocritically claim.
 
  • #70
Cyrus said:
You really don't need to see much more of that ranting raving lunatic Bill O'Foolery to know he's a clown. He always yells at his guests. He has no class.
It's too painful to watch that creep. When he is wrong, he digs his heels in, shouts over his guests, and even resorts to having the producer cut the guest's mic. He is incapable of critical reasoning, and uses bullying tactics to proclaim himself right when he is absolutely wrong. The people that cheer on fools like him are not "conservatives" - they are sheep who have to get their talking points from blowhards instead of thinking things through.

I'm with Ivan. I became a Democrat in response to Nixon's excesses, but re-joined the Republican fold to support Reagan. Worst vote I ever cast. He was a useful tool for the neocons like Ailes, and the "conservative" wing of the Republican party has since evaporated. What kind of conservative would start unnecessary wars, hand out fat no-bid contacts to his cronies, and in general act as if the President has the powers of a monarchy? I no longer trust either party, and have been registered as an Independent for many years. Where are the real conservatives like Bill Buckley, Barry Goldwater, etc? We could use some rational adults running the show - people who are driven by ideas and possibilities for the common good and not by a failed ideology.
 
  • #71
LowlyPion said:
Who's frothing at the mouth? It's pretty clear that Fox distorts the News to be supportive of conservative propaganda and talking points.

The fact that they would apparently use deceit and intimidation I'd say unfortunately leaves them acting more like fascists, than anything that might mirror American ideals or values for truth, as they would hypocritically claim.

Yeah, let's say you are absolutely correct. So what? Turn the channel. If there is something better to watch then everyone turns the channel to that. Until then, it's Fox.
 
  • #72
drankin said:
Yeah, let's say you are absolutely correct. So what? Turn the channel. If there is something better to watch then everyone turns the channel to that. Until then, it's Fox.

:bugeye: Why would you willingly watch something that feeds you propoganda that panders to your preconcieved notions?
 
  • #73
Funny I have noticed that whenever liberals are stumped for an answer they start playing symantics i.e. my remark about cool aid or if they can't refute the message they attack the messenger. Once again if there are lies there, document them with facts.

The fact that you don't like O'Riely or anyone elses methods or tactics don't make them a liar. If he is lying it should be fairly easy to document. go for it.
 
  • #74
Woody101 said:
Funny I have noticed that whenever liberals are stumped for an answer they start playing symantics i.e. my remark about cool aid or if they can't refute the message they attack the messenger. Once again if there are lies there, document them with facts.

The fact that you don't like O'Riely or anyone elses methods or tactics don't make them a liar. If he is lying it should be fairly easy to document. go for it.

I actually am able to use my brain to discern crap when I hear it. You should try it sometime.

In the meantime, I would recommend a real news source. Try it, you might like it:

www.charlierose.com

They use big words and don't talk down to you. You actually get to hear all sides of the argument and form your own opinion. Imagine that... :smile:

Buy hey, if you think someone shouting like a lunatic is "Fair and Balanced" you'll believe anything. Drink up.
 
  • #75
Cyrus said:
:bugeye: Why would you willingly watch something that feeds you propoganda that panders to your preconcieved notions?

I don't watch it.
 
  • #76
drankin said:
I don't watch it.

Your cool points just went wayyyyyyyyyyyyy up. Now if we can get you off that junk radio you'll be my hero.
 
  • #77
turbo-1 said:
Where are the real conservatives like Bill Buckley, Barry Goldwater, etc? We could use some rational adults running the show - people who are driven by ideas and possibilities for the common good and not by a failed ideology.

I think you've put your finger on the Republican Party's identity crisis and power vacuum. The more reasoned and centrist Republicans have been culled from the ranks for tolerating the intolerable, being willing to compromise over issues that fundamentalist cling to with foamy rabidity. Hence the Lincoln Chafees and the Rockefeller Republicans have been driven from the tent with the neocon invasion.

Currently they only have a few reasonably articulate candidates, that don't offer much crossover appeal to independents. Gingrich and his marital problems and Romney the Mormon, unfortunately for them just don't seem to meet the threshold for what I'll call the Bible thumping wing. Which leaves Huckabee, who is likable enough, but who likely can only beat Ron Paul in being less extreme in some of his odd ball ideas. Then there's Jindal that's done himself no favors opening his mouth and Palin who seemed to me to become such a joke by being so absent of analytical horsepower during the campaign, that she looks only good for nods and winks at fundraisers now, where they need a celebrity draw.

Meanwhile the loyal neocon outlets like Fox soldier on even though they have been repudiated by the economy, the elections and continuing public opinion.
 
  • #78
Now that I've watched Skyhunter's videos, I do have something against the entire Fox network... but I'm still going to watch Smallville.
That Charlie Rose show is pretty much in line with 'Mansbridge One-on-One', 'Take Thirty', and other Canuck shows. I watched only the first 5 minutes or so of the interview with the Secretary of the Treasury, but it was enough to get a feel for it. The guy asks intelligent, relevant questions, then shuts the hell up and let's the guest answer. That's what a journalist is supposed to do.
 
  • #79
Cyrus said:
I actually am able to use my brain to discern crap when I hear it. You should try it sometime.

In the meantime, I would recommend a real news source. Try it, you might like it:

www.charlierose.com

They use big words and don't talk down to you. You actually get to hear all sides of the argument and form your own opinion. Imagine that... :smile:

Buy hey, if you think someone shouting like a lunatic is "Fair and Balanced" you'll believe anything. Drink up.

Ah once again symantics to avoid addressing the issue. If there is a lie document it. Can't be all that hard if everything on Fox is a lie.
 
  • #80
Woody101 said:
Ah once again symantics to avoid addressing the issue. If there is a lie document it. Can't be all that hard if everything on Fox is a lie.

Did I say fox was a lie? I said it wasnt fair and balanced.

If I did say it, please show me, because I honestly don't recall making such a claim.
 
  • #81
Well let me see, Fox claims to be fair and ballanced, you claim they are not, somebody at Fox must be fibbing then. Who and when?
 
  • #82
You do understand the fact that someone can be unfair and biased while not telling a lie? Also, one can tell a series of perfectly valid facts that do not lead to a logical conclusion. This is how the 'fair and balanced' bozos get away with this nonsense.

You were also provided a video of Bill O'Foolery and his blatant bias. Thats who, that's when.
 
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  • #83
Ivan Seeking said:
You and I probably agree that infotainment is a bad thing because it blurs the line between news and gibberish. However, while Stewart may be doing real news and commentary under the guise of comedy, Fox is a tabloid masquerading as a news agency, which is far more dangerous.
If the issue is one of degree of effect, then I don't rate Fox cable that high. The cable end (Oreilly, etc) by definition reaches far fewer people that the broadcast networks NBC, CBS, ABC, and radio's NPR.
 
  • #84
I also pointed out some glaring errors in the video that did not pertain to O'Riely but nobody cares to address that obviously because it is a blatant bias that supports their side of the argument. Further, as all you scientists know, the exception does not prove the rule. O'Riely is just one small part of Fox News. If that is the case then we can assume that Network news is all false based on the Dan Rather incident. If I am not mistaken the title of those videos was Fox News Lies. Further, name calling "bozos" and "O'Foolery" is very immature and unprofessional.
 
  • #85
Woody101 said:
"O'Foolery"

Have you ever actually listened to the guy? That name should be on his birth certificate.
 
  • #86
The spirit of Bill O'Reilly haunts this thread. And as he pounces, the unsuspecting patron finds oneself snared in a verbally abusive tug-of-war. That is the O'Reilly Factor. And it is everywhere.
 
  • #87
seycyrus said:
It made you sick? Gut wrenching nausea? Uncontrollable spasms?

Really now...

It was humorous.

It was not humorous. One guy from them received death threats from some Canadians (who none better than him), so he canceled his show in Canada. I don't see how good humor would spark such controversy.
In Canada, the comments sparked outrage from coast to coast. Benson was scheduled to appear in Canada at Edmonton's The Comic Strip April 3-5, 2009, but the shows were canceled after the owner received threats of "bodily injury" toward the American comic. "Some were saying he wouldn't make it from the airport to the club. For everyone's safety, we decided it was best to avoid the scenario altogether," manager Rick Bronson said.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Eye_w/_Greg_Gutfeld#Mocking_of_Canadian_Military_controversy
 
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  • #88
Woody101 said:
The fact that you don't like O'Riely or anyone elses methods or tactics don't make them a liar. If he is lying it should be fairly easy to document. go for it.

Didn't watch the video did you?

How about this one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q5Hm_W783Po&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q5Hm_W783Po&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Here are a few more of Bill O'Rielly's lies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zWNEkE1VYz8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zWNEkE1VYz8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Shall I go on?
 
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  • #89
This is the lie that drops my jaw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QHUGCkROwJE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QHUGCkROwJE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

And he keeps repeating it?
 
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  • #90
Woody101 said:
I also pointed out some glaring errors in the video that did not pertain to O'Riely but nobody cares to address that obviously because it is a blatant bias that supports their side of the argument. Further, as all you scientists know, the exception does not prove the rule. O'Riely is just one small part of Fox News. If that is the case then we can assume that Network news is all false based on the Dan Rather incident. If I am not mistaken the title of those videos was Fox News Lies. Further, name calling "bozos" and "O'Foolery" is very immature and unprofessional.

Kinda like yelling at your guests and turning their mics off.
 
  • #91
mheslep said:
If the issue is one of degree of effect, then I don't rate Fox cable that high. The cable end (Oreilly, etc) by definition reaches far fewer people that the broadcast networks NBC, CBS, ABC, and radio's NPR.

No that wasn't the point. The point was that your comparison of Stewart to Fox is bogus.
 
  • #92
Not to mention that

NEW YORK (AP) — CNN is poised to finish March third in the prime-time weeknight ratings behind Fox News Channel and MSNBC, the first time this has ever happened for the channel that pioneered the cable news genre nearly three decades ago.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jeEr_9iwtdieF9FQS0td-iGANTgQD976K4IG2

Clearly Fox Noise does reach a wide audience.

Between Fox and hate radio, is it any wonder that we're in the mess we're in now?
 
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  • #93
Cyrus said:
Kinda like yelling at your guests and turning their mics off.

Sometimes, I think it's staged. It has to be.
 
  • #94
Ivan Seeking said:
Not to mention that


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jeEr_9iwtdieF9FQS0td-iGANTgQD976K4IG2

Clearly Fox Noise does reach a wide audience.

Between Fox and hate radio, is it any wonder that we're in the mess we're in now?

You have got to be kidding. Fox News caused the housing and banking crisis, is that what you want me to believe?
 
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  • #95
They sure as hell didn't help. I'd say that by supporting that moron Bush, they did indeed contribute to the current situation.
 
  • #96
Danger said:
They sure as hell didn't help. I'd say that by supporting that moron Bush, they did indeed contribute to the current situation.

Perhaps you are unaware of what party has had control of the House and Senate for the last few years. Perhaps you are unaware of the fact that the Bush Administration warned several years ago that Freddy Mac and Fanny Mae needed closer regulation and scrutiny but those warnings went unheeded by the legislature but the head of the banking subcomittee spoke to how great both organizations were and how well they were running. Perhaps you are unaware that Senator Dodd got a huge contribution from AIG. It is about time the liberal side of the aisle stepped up and took some of the responsibility for the chaos they helped to create. This whole mess is not entirely their fault but they sure as hell had a hand in it.
 
  • #97
Woody101 said:
Perhaps you are unaware of what party has had control of the House and Senate for the last few years. Perhaps you are unaware of the fact that the Bush Administration warned several years ago that Freddy Mac and Fanny Mae needed closer regulation and scrutiny but those warnings went unheeded by the legislature but the head of the banking subcomittee spoke to how great both organizations were and how well they were running. Perhaps you are unaware that Senator Dodd got a huge contribution from AIG. It is about time the liberal side of the aisle stepped up and took some of the responsibility for the chaos they helped to create. This whole mess is not entirely their fault but they sure as hell had a hand in it.

Perhaps you are unaware that it was the 108th and 109th Congress (both Republican controlled) that failed to enact legislation for oversight over the GSE's. The 110th Congress under Democratic control passed legislation in July 2008.

Perhaps you are unaware that Obama and McCain also received large campaign contributions from AIG.

And did you know that Dodd is giving his back?

I agree there is plenty of blame to go around. But let us keep it in perspective.
 
  • #98
Ivan Seeking said:
No that wasn't the point. The point was that your comparison of Stewart to Fox is bogus.
<sigh> I did not mention Fox in my Stewart post.
 
  • #99
Ivan Seeking said:
Not to mention that


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jeEr_9iwtdieF9FQS0td-iGANTgQD976K4IG2

Clearly Fox Noise does reach a wide audience.

Between Fox and hate radio, is it any wonder that we're in the mess we're in now?
Broadcast. Broadcast. Broadcast, not cable. That is where the numbers lie.
 
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  • #100
Fox employs a technique known as neural linguistic programming. You are the one who becomes programmed.:eek:

It involves Interrupting a person at key points, inserting the newscasters own view using verbal and hand motions at key points and sometimes in a nearly imperceptible manner.

They break down the credibility of the person being interviewed in the same way.

Watch them do an interview with someone who has an opposing viewpoint. You will see it once you know it is there. It may take a few tries and then it jumps out as being very apparent.
 

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