Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Time for Fox to 'Move On'



I don't usually do the online survey thing. I think my opinion can be voiced very well here, thank you kindly. However, being the journalism junkie that I am, I could not resist the call sent over by my friend RP. MoveOn.org is taking FOX to task and a complaint to FTC about their slogan 'Fair and Balanced." Who can blame them? FOX is riddled with conservative wonks, extolling the virtues of war and the wisdom of a Yalie C-student who probably has to have his speeches written out phonetically.

I signed the petition. And added my two cents worth:

How can I as a high school journalism teacher be expected to teach the basic principles of objective journalism, when a major news agency like FOX has the nerve to serve as a media strong arm for the current administration, and hide behind the slogan "fair and balanced"? This is a travesty. And, I maintain, just as detrimental to the future adults I have in my charge as the accidental exposure of a high-profile breast on the Super Bowl. While I doubt that the mere glimpse of a piece of flesh owned by 51 percent of the world's population is going to do their morals any harm, I am positive that exposure to steady stream of propaganda and conservative diatribe masquerading as 'news' will, over the long haul, seriously impair their development as thinking adults.

Let's hope the message is received. And once we get FOX under control let's hope they start cleaning house everywhere. I want my TV news smartened up, and not so eager to pander to the Jerry Springer crowd. I want to hear more 4 syllable words, and less mindless lip flap. Leave that to Entertainment Tonight!