Letter to the editor:

Fox’s brand of journalism not for everyone

Ken Anderson, Las Vegas

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

Fox News, it seems, has divided America’s thinking about news broadcasting. Those who support the programming on Fox News say they receive honest news not available from the rest of the media. Others believe the likes of Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly have been hired only to strengthen ratings. The truth is that neither of them is a news broadcaster, but an individual projecting his opinions on news issues. They are very consistent, and their followers have accepted their opinions as gospel.

I saw a disparity between O’Reilly’s interviews of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. When O’Reilly spoke to Bush, there was an unmistakable reverence, and when it came time for him to ask questions about the war in Iraq, he smoothly slid over the issue, remarking that he agreed with the president on this subject. On the other hand, four years later, when O’Reilly interviewed Obama during the campaign, there was unmistakable anger in his voice, challenging the candidate and interrupting him often. I am sure he did this because the typical Fox News fan expects this, and supports him for this behavior.

What I am trying to say is that Fox News is not for everybody. For those who need the assurance that their conservative beliefs are the only right way to think, Hannity and O’Reilly come through. Those who are not necessarily that far to the right of center probably should not watch the programming unless they enjoy getting angry.

Discussion: 5 comments so far…

By echazard

4/14/09 at 9:18 a.m.

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This opinion is right in the respect that Fox News projects its opinions with its commentators. I have more of a problem with the other individuals that claim to be fair and balanced. I am a liberal and understand that the same can be said about those at MSNBC.

I think both networks are playing us for fools because the more to the right Fox slants, the more to the Left MSNBC slants. I truly believe that if its viewers demanded more news and less venom, both networks would change in a heartbeat!
By jfnance32

4/14/09 at 10:09 a.m.

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"I truly believe that if its viewers demanded more news "

Fox News is the number one cable news channel.

So many people are watching because they like the product.

MSNBC is on the bottom of cable news channel world in ratings.
By GordonShumway

4/14/09 at 4:11 p.m.

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Jerry Springer has great ratings too. Same quality product that attracts the Faux fans.
By kivew

4/14/09 at 4:12 p.m.

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the people who were elected to run this nation are not employees of Fox or MSNBC. And in the election of 2008, the Democratic party took control of The White House, THe House of Representatives, and the US Senate.
Who has more viewers , Fox or MSNBC is a parlor game for folks who have too much time on their hands and too few ideas to express, other than cheer on their favorite commercial TV network. Enjoy your fools errand, but know it is totally meaningless to this country.
By WayneSchlegel

4/14/09 at 8:35 p.m.

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More viewers isn't the issue. Accuracy in reporting or commentary is an issue. MSNBC is bad, Fox is horrible.