ABC RW roots exposed, next step for media claim Dems and Repubs the same

[ProSense]

Tim Rutten:

Regarding Media

ABC follows a path to shame

September 9, 2006

Snip...

At the end of the day, it probably doesn't make much difference because, either way, the lacerating controversy surrounding the network's docu-dramatic re-creation of events leading to Sept. 11 is an entirely self-inflicted wound. For most of the week, ABC rather haughtily attempted to characterize itself as the victim of philistines, or self-righteously as a champion of free speech or, more pathetically, as just plain misunderstood by people who just don't understand how television is done.

It is none of those things.

It's an opportunistic and self-interested organization that somehow thought it could approach the most wrenching American tragedy since Pearl Harbor with the values that prevail among network television executives — the sort of ad hoc ethics that would make a streetwalker blush — and that nobody would mind.

Snip...

One of the most unfortunate consequences of all this was that most of the news media completely overlook a stunning affront to 1st Amendment freedoms that occurred when the Democratic leadership of the U.S. Senate sent Iger a letter Thursday appearing to threaten the network's licenses unless "The Path to 9/11" was altered or killed:

Snip...

We've all become accustomed to a Congress that behaves as if it's divided between Bloods and Crips rather than Republicans and Democrats — but this was a thuggish new low. If we were inclined to dramatic license, the guys with thick necks in "On the Waterfront" would come to mind, though it's doubtful even Harvey Keitel could plausibly play Harry Reid as threatening.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-rutten9sep09,1,4386536.column?ctrack=1&cset=true

Bloods and Crips? Thuggish new low?

[BootinUp]

1. my email

Timothy,

You suggest at the end of your article that the Senators violated the 1st amendment when they threatened ABC's broadcaster license. BULLSHIT.

Let ABC have free speech and market their propaganda piece (possible defamatory) that was written and directed by people with a propaganda agenda all spelled out in a mission statement. Just don't let them run the airwaves because they clearly are not acting in a responsible manner 2 months before an election.

Jim
GA

[ProSense]

2. Thanks! This part of of the article --

"it might have succeeded" -- says it all. Somehow the author doesn't see this as the biggest problem with this assault on truth by ABC.

[blm]

3. Dems and GOPs are the same meme has been pushed thru GOP operatives

under the guise of the "far left" for decades and ramped up enormously since 2000 election cycle.

Hell - we have quite a few here at DU who make that claim every day.