It is no surprise that Fox is a propaganda tool for the Republican party. What I found disturbing is that other news sources will copy Fox on occasion (such as the irresponsible announcement that GW Bush won the 2000 election when it was clearly too close to call).
The documentary features interviews with former Fox employees who were told what to report and how to report it. It is an eye-opener.
The problem is not that Fox News has opinions. The problem is that it is all opinion, there is no line between news and commentary. Its genius is that it calls itself "Fair and Balanced."
At the end of the film is a call for Americans, regardless of political affiliation, to get involved and speak out against irresponsible journalistic practices. My bank, First Tennessee, the tall building in Johnson City, plays Fox news in the lobby. I think will politely ask them to consider switching the channel.
Here is the description of the documentary:
"Outfoxed" examines whether and how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have an active campaign to misinform people for personal gain. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know.
Robert Greenwald's film explores Murdoch's burgeoning kingdom and the impact on society when a broad swath of media is controlled by one person. Media experts, including Jeff Cohen (FAIR) Bob McChesney (Free Press), Chellie Pingree (Common Cause), Jeff Chester (Center for Digital Democracy) and David Brock (Media Matters) provide context and guidance for the story of Fox News and its effect on society.
This documentary also reveals the secrets of Former Fox news producers, reporters, bookers and writers who expose what it's like to work for Fox News. These former Fox employees talk about how they were forced to push a "right-wing" point of view or risk their jobs. Some have even chosen to remain anonymous in order to protect their current livelihoods. As one employee said "There's no sense of integrity as far as having a line that can't be crossed."
I have this DVD if anyone at First Presby would like to borrow it - or we could have a screening...
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea! Let's see about that in January-February, good months for movies!
ReplyDeleteAll part of the Powell manifesto back in 1972. Media, universities and pulpits were the targets. 35 years later, check it out! "mission accomplished"
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