Dan Rather isn’t backing off his criticism of his former employer, CBS News. Rather complained on a radio talk show Monday that CBS executives tried to lure viewers to “CBS Evening News” by “dumbing it down and tarting it up.” The executives quickly accused Rather of sexism toward new anchor Katie Couric. But Rather told Washington Post critic Tom Shales that he was referring to the content of the news show, not to Couric, and he raised valid concerns about how the news media are replacing hard news with entertainment. “We have enormous life-or-death issues and challenges facing us in this country and the world today,” Rather said. “Everything from the dismantling of civil rights enforcement within the Justice Department to the war in Iraq to news of secret prisons in Europe and, of course, the next presidential election.
“And yet, for some reason, Paris Hilton is the big story on newscast after newscast.”
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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17 Comments
One more instance of the Dumbing Down of America.
Agreed. But coming from Dan Rather, the man who purposly used falsified documents in a hit-piece on President Bush before the last election, I hardly think he’s the one to be talking about the integrity of the current news industry. He helped put it there when he decided he wanted to make the news instead of just reporting it.
In the end, it’s kind of like having Jimmy Carter talk about Middle East or economic policy. Yah, he dealt with it, but his way failed. Would you listen to a wood shop teacher with 6 missing fingers? Nope…don’t think so.
All in all, a bad example, Phil.
I have not watched network news for ages. I only watch CNN which is about the only serious news channel left and even they are getting to be a right wing mouthpiece with the hiring of Glenn Beck.
Compare the mid east turmoil now, to the mid east under carter. True, carter didn’t light the torch like bubba bush.
From the headline, I thought maybe the article addressed the Eagle’s bias. Guess in a way it does.
wrong thread
Yes, the news is dumbed down. But in a large part, the viewers are to blame. News is ratings, just like anything else. And viewers watch all Paris, all the time. The media, like any business, just gives the public what they want.
And the masses are asses.
And yes, Rather, given his past, has no business criticizing the credibility of CBS.
Rather probably got the clues about CBS news from the “12345″ Post Office Box used in the National Guard scandal papers.
Looks liked Ed woke up in a bad mood this morning. Perhaps a timeout with a warm Arab-made blankie will help.
If they are trying to tart up the news then they can find a better looking dame than Couric!
zionists????????????????
The WEBlog Friday Namecalling Marathon is OFF AND RUNNING!
::eyeroll::
Wait, I thought Rather said “TARDING it up”…as in ‘retard’…
Am I wrong? Or did I just misinterpret what was said?
I think the comment was horrible either way.
No PMom, that would be Ed “Tarding it up.” :)
He’s not one of my side.
So many newsmen/newswomen have made unedited and incorrect remarks, who cares if D Rather chooses to speak a personal opinion. It’s just not news anymore if it’s not offbeat, spectacular, digging someone, Paris Hilton, etc. News media are so afraid their ratings will drop, they’ll say, do, present anything and everything to catch your ear & eye. They’ve all had their assinine moments in the lights.
Sometimes we’re merely the bobble on the dashboard, bobbing up and down or back and forth.
Since the Bushies have successfully labeled Dan Rather as a liar, will they also label Lewis ‘Scooter’ Libby a liar? After all, only one of these two men are headed for prison for being convicted of lying – guess which one?
dan rather was honest and he got swiftboated.
when you all wake up and realize that you have been had by bush co…you will look at Dan Rather and say sorry…
Rather is a great reporter who still has integrity