Posted on 01/23/2006 3:16:01 PM PST by Racehorse
The cable network's Headline News outlet is poised to give a primetime slot to radio talk-show host Glenn Beck. He goes against everything that CNN has claimed to stand for -- a first-rate pedigree, a non-biased point of view and understated excellence. Beck's chief qualification is that he personifies controversy.
Then again, who do I think I'm kidding with this high-minded blather? OF COURSE, controversy alone is enough. In fact, it's PLENTY. If Beck catches on with his own unique audience, he'll get a shot to go on CNN. Then CNN will reckon that Bill O'Reilly will no longer be a factor on Fox and MSNBC's Joe Scarborough can go find himself a new country.
[. . .]
It's no secret that CNN has been panicking as rival Fox News relentlessly widened the ratings gap between itself and the former "Clinton News Network." Rather than stick to one journalistic style and let an audience gravitate to it (the secret to Fox's success), CNN changed approaches and personnel regularly and, naturally, failed to establish a clear identity with the public and the critics.
[. . .]
The talk-radio host Beck, as the witty Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out, "is just to the right of Attila the Hun." This is the guy who criticized some people who lost loved ones on 9/11 because they didn't agree with his political views. For good measure, he blasted some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
CNN shouldn't be running a news supermarket. It should stand for something -- anything. Not only would it be a better network, but the morale of its beleaguered troops would go up. Pssst -- so might those precious ratings.
(Excerpt) Read more at marketwatch.com ...
CNN is trying to change its image. The problem is Beck admittedly provides conservative political commentary, while CNN will continue to spew leftist political commentary that masquerades as news. To a liberal, conservatism is political dogma, but their propaganda is the simple truth.
I always called it Clinton News Network after he was elected. Most everyone I knew did the same. I think Clinton and Communist are interchangeable.
What did they say? His appearance in Kansas today was awsome, one of his best, as a matter of fact.
Exactly. Who cares if Glenn Beck is on. The program lineup will go like this
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
...and now Glenn Beck to show how balanced we are!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
SLAM BUSH!
Not true. He criticized them for always complaining years after 9/11 and continuing to ask for money...
Wrong Mr. Jon Friedman - a purveyor of news and information should stand for one thing. and one thing only: TRUTH. CNN ought to try that and see how it goers for a while.
Oh, if that's the case nevermind.
PERFECT example! Well done, Bommer!
Glenn is an acqired taste. His show is more cultural than political. The only time I'll turn him off is during "moron trivia". I just can't stomach anybody setting up situations for people to laugh at the "simple". That's just mean and wrong. And yes, I know it's no different than Jay Leno's "Man on the Street". I don't like that either.
OT - did west TN get as much rain last night as Mid TN? I may never get the water out of my garage!
This passes for witty? This line has been used for 30 years at least. I first heard it used on Reagan, and has been turned into a running gag on Rushs' show.
These people are desperate for witty.
As for Glen Beck, he may be the most apolitical of all the hosts I've heard. What a bunch of idiots we have in the media analisys business.
Hmmm, this could be interesting. A token conservative? The PTB at CNN will closely track his ratings. What if he does better than the usual tripe? That would send a message, would it not?
Might be worth tuning in, just long enough to bump him, so to speak.
Warren, it flat rained its arse off all day yesterday, and moved out late last night. I think we had over 2" of rain here (Millington, just north of Memphis).
I agree re: the Moron Trivia. That always made me squirm. Don't know how he pulls it off - its more along Howard Stern's taste. Glen definately is an acquired taste. A LOT of satire and sarcasm and that part I like. If you tend to take yourself too serious you wouldn't like his show. Having said all that... I just don't think I'll be able to give CNN my viewing time.
WAAAH, the liberals are losing their monopoly on the news, WAAAH!
And he does himself no favors by using a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle as his barometer of political affiliation (resulting in a pre-determined result that should fool nobody).
"is just to the right of Attila the Hun"
I doubt that Goodman has ever heard one of Glenn's broadcasts. But I bet he'd be really happy if Randi Roach, er, Rhodes, got a gig on CNN.
Various audio clips from the Glen Beck program... Scroll down to 'Who's in the White House,'(military remix) which Glen did after the election.
http://www.glennbeck.com/audio/free-audio.shtml
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