Who’s the Bigger Kiss-Up – ABC or NBC?
just before lunchtime on Tuesday, the 16th of June 2009 by Katie
There has been much discussion about NBC’s favorable coverage of the Obamamessiah.
To list one article: “Ingraham Angle”: GE, NBC & Obama Ties
GE, owner of 80% of NBC, is probably going to reap major rewards for its kind treatment if Cap and Trade goes into effect (that can’t be much of a surprise, Obama has rewarded his cronies well – look no further that GM, Chrysler, car dealerships, or the Americorp scandal).
GE, has also instructed its “news” media to focus on healthcare, with stories of the suffering of the uninsured, of the evil insurance giants, etc. GE also is heavily invested in the healthcare industry. GE pumps $6B into new healthcare initiatives.
Targeting consumer, employee health
To increase its focus on consumer-driven healthcare, Immelt mentioned the recent GE partnership with Intel to provide products to remotely monitor the health of seniors and those with chronic conditions. Now, through GE’s media network, the company said it also will focus on healthcare broadcasting, namely:
- NBC Universal and NBC News will make a commitment to bring health and wellness content to consumers in the form of more than 5,000 televised reports annually on health and wellness and companion online tools.
- MSNBC will launch a new, daily program dedicated solely to health information, beginning in June. The program will be anchored by NBC News Chief Medical Editor Nancy Snyderman, MD, who will tackle everything from health and wellness tips and medical breakthroughs to examining health policy.
- The Cleveland Clinic will join with GE and NBC to conduct research that seeks to better understand important factors that move consumers from being aware of a health condition via the media to actually changing their behaviors.
Or there is even my personal favorite – NBC anchor bowing to Obama
I don’t recall any news person bowing to a President before. Why doesn’t he offer to shine Obama’s shoes while he is down there?
And now Drudge is breaking the latest:
ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE
Tue Jun 16 2009 08:45:10 ET
On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care — a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!Highlights on the agenda:
ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House.
The network plans a primetime special — ‘Prescription for America’ — originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate.MORE
Late Monday night, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Ken McKay fired off a complaint to the head of ABCNEWS:Dear Mr. Westin:
As the national debate on health care reform intensifies, I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC’s astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009. Next Wednesday, ABC News will air a primetime health care reform “town hall” at the White House with President Barack Obama. In addition, according to an ABC News report, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, WORLD NEWS, NIGHTLINE and ABC’s web news “will all feature special programming on the president’s health care agenda.” This does not include the promotion, over the next 9 days, the president’s health care agenda will receive on ABC News programming.
Today, the Republican National Committee requested an opportunity to add our Party’s views to those of the President’s to ensure that all sides of the health care reform debate are presented. Our request was rejected. I believe that the President should have the ability to speak directly to the America people. However, I find it outrageous that ABC would prohibit our Party’s opposing thoughts and ideas from this national debate, which affects millions of ABC viewers.
In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime. The President has stated time and time again that he wants a bipartisan debate. Therefore, the Republican Party should be included in this primetime event, or the DNC should pay for your airtime.Respectfully,
Ken McKay
Republican National Committee
Chief of StaffMORE
ABCNEWS Senior Vice President Kerry Smith on Tuesday responded to the RNC complaint, saying it contained ‘false premises’
So, ABC will dedicate an entire evening to the selling of Obama’s healthcare plan. Is this the role of the press?
And, NBC is largely owned by a company that could benefit greatly by supporting Obama’s Cap and Trade and healthcare programs.
Is this what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they granted “freedom of the press”?
Is there a “free press” at this time? Or, are they all in the pocket of the government? Is the press blatantly supporting Obama to reap the rewards or are they cowering in front of Obama in fear?
UPDATE: Michelle Malkin has more comments and links.
UPDATE: Obama points out the only news channel that isn’t completely devoted to his worship
Fox News seems to be the only station that is actually covering the Americorp scandal, the czar issues, the automobile takeover, etc. But, despite Obama’s say-so, I have heard them broadcast positive stories about Obama.
UPDATE: (I know, enough with the updates, but this is a story that keeps getting more interesting…)
Michelle Malkin has further updates on the story.
It seems as though ABC is not selling commercial time for their Obamacare Infomercial. Most programs now average 40 minutes of program time, max, yet for the Obamanation Infomercial, the entire time will be dedicated to Obama’s sales pitch.
So much for welcoming “diverse” viewpoints. From Greg Mueller at CRC:
ABC is refusing paid ads for its health care program at the White House. Thus they’re refusing even a paid-for alternative viewpoint.
We requested the rates to buy a 60 second network spot immediately preceding the broadcast of the Town Hall meeting. We would have produced a spot specifically for this program.
Here is statement from Rick Scott, chairman of Conservatives for Patients Rights.
“It is unfortunate – and unusual – that ABC is refusing to accept paid advertising that would present an alternative viewpoint for the White House health care event. Health care is an issue that touches every American and all potential pieces of legislation have carried a pricetag in excess of $1 trillion of taxpayers’ money. The American people deserve a healthy, robust debate on this issue and ABC’s decision – as of now – to exclude even paid advertisements that present an alternative view does a disservice to the public. Our organization is more than willing to purchase ad time on ABC to present an alternative viewpoint and our hope is that ABC will reconsider having such viewpoints be part of this crucial debate for the American people. We were surprised to hear that paid advertisements would not be accepted when we inquired and we would certainly be open to purchasing time if ABC would reconsider.”
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June 16th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
No surprise there. The media have always been Obummer’s willing slaves, and he owns them fully.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:46 am
The shaking of this nation’s institutions: political, economic, religious, and military continues. The divide between good and evil, light and dark, bitter and sweet deepens.
Great clarity and polarization is coming to this nation.
Those who have been hiding in shades of gray are now declaring their allegiances.
We are reaching an either/or moment in this land.
Don’t be moved by fear, rather ground yourself in the principles of Life and Liberty. The God of Life and Liberty will prevail.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
can you say PRAVDA?
June 18th, 2009 at 5:12 am
Capture of the media is crucial for anyone seeking regime change. This was done, for instance, in the crucial months leading up to, and following, the February 1948 Communist putsch in Czechoslovakia. Theoretically, there was freedom of the press, and anyone could print anything they wanted. Except that…
…except that, the government had a monopoly on printer’s ink and paper for newsprint. And lo, it therefore transpired that Rude Pravo, the Czechoslovak Communist Party’s official organ, got all they wanted, while “nonconformist” newspapers consistently got their deliveries of materials delayed, or there were sudden shortages, mixups, etc. etc.
Kind of reminds me of incestuous relationship between the traditional media who worship Obama and therefore get unlimited access (as long as they do what hE says), and the freeze-out, not to mention the ridicule and smears, that anyone who does not goosestep to the official tune, is getting from the House of Noncolor. (Uh, I have been told many a time by racemongers who wanted to be polite to me that I am a “person of noncolor” as opposed to a mere “white male.”)
So, stand by for insidious or even pretty blatant grabs for the Internet, radio, and eventually telephones and fax machines – anything that allows people to communicate independently and freely.
Stand by, also, for increasing hysteria over people associating freely. I seem to have heard yesterday (on the evil and nonconformist Fox) that some lunatic putz had stuck a statement into a Pentagon training manual or document that “protests” are to be viewed as “low-level terrorism.” That means you, Tea Party Poopers! That means you, old geezers tipping back a few in your neighborhood pubs and yakking over the government.
That means you, and me, and everyone else who takes the Constitution seriously.
Yes, as JCincy says, we are indeed reaching an either/or moment in the United States.
Here’s the sad thing: back in the bad old days, as for instance behind the Iron Curtain, we were sustained by the dream of a land called America where we could go for succor and freedom. Some of us, like my family, were lucky enough to make it. Now this last bastion of freedom and dignity is under attack, and…
…there is nowhere else to run.
This is the place where we must make a stand, or else not just we, but the whole world, is in for a new dark ages (uh, ages of color?).
Nuff said…
June 18th, 2009 at 6:33 am
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTY5ZTA5NmEwMGY4MTFhNDg2ZDg4NjU2MDkxOGYyYTE=
“One of [Saul] Alinsky’s first lessons is: “Radicals must have a degree of control over the flow of events.” Setting aside the Right’s habitual complaint about the pliant liberal media, Obama has dominated the news by unveiling a new initiative or giving a major speech on almost every weekday of his presidency. There has been a steady stream of lighter stories as well — the puppy, Michelle Obama’s fashion sense, the White House swing set, the president and vice president’s burger lunch.
“The constant parade of events large and small ensures that whenever unpleasant news arises and overtakes the desired message — think of Tom Daschle’s withdrawal, the Air Force One photo op, or North Korea’s missile launch — it leads the news for only a day. For contrast, consider what happened when the photos of the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse appeared: As American Journalism Review reports, they “dominated the headlines for a month. Day after day, top national newspapers brought to light new aspects of the debacle on their front pages.”
(The entire article is an interesting read, I cherry-picked the media reference)
I found that section interesting, because I have felt bombarded by events, so fast and so numerous, that they are impossible to finely sift through. The speed has been overwhelming. I have felt that if the media or the events were slowed down, that people would have a chance to look at the situation, and finally be horrified. But, the speed is the key. Haven’t we heard often enough that it is necessary to speed everything up? The stimulus package was rammed by without even being read. Now, healthcare has to be solved by July. Everything is happening so fast, that it is impossible to keep track of it all.
Which is exactly the reason that it is happening…
I really am trying hard not to hate Obama’s supporters. But, it is getting increasingly hard. I feel as though I have been robbed of my country and that my children have been robbed of any chance of success.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:56 am
From Redstate.com
Overwhelmed and Feeling Like Giving Up? That Is What The Left Wants You To Do!
http://www.redstate.com/david_hinz/2009/06/15/overwhelmed-and-feeling-like-giving-up-that-is-what-the-left-wants-you-to-do/
I posted a similar response here, as I posted there.
Read the Declaration of Independence. The words ring as true today as they did in 1776. “A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
This government is unfit to rule a free people.
I have sensed nothing like this in my lifetime. My parents, who are in their 80s claim they have never witnessed a time like this either in this nation.
Some may call me a religious nut job, but I have never had the conviction in my heart now that this time in America is no accident. The Supreme Judge of the world is stirring the hearts of the quiet people to raise their voice. Divine Providence responded 233 years ago, nature’s God will respond to our appeal again today.
June 19th, 2009 at 4:28 am
The Washington Times has just come out with an article that states “ABC employees donated heavily to Obama”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/19/abc-employees-donated-heavily-to-obama/?feat=home_headlines
“The Washington Times has learned that ABC employees gave 80 times as much money to Mr. Obama’s 2008 campaign for president than to his rival’s.
“According to an analysis of campaign donations by the Center for Responsive Politics, conducted at The Times’ request, ABC employees in several divisions donated $124,421 to the Obama campaign, compared with $1,550 to the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain….
“A study released Thursday by the Business & Media Institute (BMI) found that since Inauguration Day, ABC has aired news stories with positive reviews of Mr. Obama’s health care policy 55 times, compared with 18 times when the network highlighted negative reviews.”
I’ve always thought that the media’s main contribution to Obama’s campaign was not in dollar signs, but in overwhelming amounts of positive coverage….
June 19th, 2009 at 6:51 am
“compared with $1,550 to the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain….”
I wonder if the people that scraped together $1,550 for McCain are still employed by ABC?
June 19th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
who is the bigger kiss up.. I wonder if it even matters.. i don’t think it does.. katie said it well that perhaps the flood of obama’s daily events is covering up or misdirecting people from all his screw ups and how much he is screwing up our country.
and Michael.. that is one heck of a response.. and that is a scary thought, yet not unlikely too… since I would not be surprised if obama takes such controls.. recall that “fairness doctrine” was basically a gag to anyone who opposes this moron.
jcincy.. true, the way things are going.. the way the tables have turned on religion.. it changes so much.. I grew up around religious hypocrits.. so I had a very bad taste about religion in my life.. and those that “claimed” it.. but even with that bad taste, i see what is happening and agree it is wrong and needs to be stopped. Regardless of my for or against religious beliefs, I know when something is wrong, I know when people are being attacked.. and regilious people are being attack..well unless they are Muslims.
And I too am sickened by any Obama supporters, i get so angry when I see the bumper stickers.. I wished I had a tank and could just “correct” those errors.. but the damage is in action.. we just need to find a way to correct it.. there has to be a way..
June 20th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Speaking of bumper stickers…
Hopefully this a good barometer, however small my non-scientific sample is… (but who let’s real science get in they way of anything these days any way).
I have noticed the Obama stickers have been vanishing in my area and new stickers pop like:
“Don’t spread my wealth, Spread my work ethic”
“Work harder. Millions on welfare depend on you.”
“No Socialism.”
Anyone else seeing bumper sticker revolt?
June 20th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Put this in your pipe and smoke it: http://www.dailykostv.com/w/001852/
Oh yeah, Michelle Malkin is a gloryhole aficionado.
[Edit] And I have a small penis. It is sooooo small… it’s microscopic.[/Edit]
June 20th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Jay, I don’t think that I’ve heard that saying in decades….
Fox News does have many Bush people as commentators. They are all clearly labeled as such. They also have many Dems on – they are also clearly labeled.
During the election cycle, it was Fox News that was the fairest.
And Fox is not the only network to have politicos. Does George Stephanopoulos ring a bell?
Obama is also hiring many ex-journalists.
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/21/another-left-wing-journalist-bailed-out-by-obama/
ABC is giving Obama hours of positive coverage, so that he can sell his socialized medicine plan. They are not allowing the other side to speak. They are not selling commercial time. This is not what freedom of the press was supposed to be.
I’m sorry that you are too spoon fed to understand.
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 am
Let’s see DailyKos (along with CBS-NBC-ABC-CNN etc…) Doing what our enemies (pre VietNam war era) could not do… deliver the enemies’ propaganda directly to the American public.
As I may have mentioned before, I’ve been reading Oliver North’s American Heroes book.
It is amazing the difference between Col. North’s front-line coverage of the Iraq war and what CBS-NBC-ABC-CNN delivered during the heat of the conflict.