On The Media

She's got it nailed. There never is a resolve to anything on these shows just sides presented without ever getting to the "truth". That's probably so in order that the media can keep the momentum on the subjects they deal with (and poorly I might add) and so no one ever gets an intelligent position.

While I don't share her political views, I think Huffington totally nailed her point on "presenting two sides." We need more people to understand this, especially professors of Journalism.

Huffington made a big point about interviews ask the tough followup questions. Then, when she gave a silly answer to the question of does she risk credibility by being partisan, and she said she was fair and factual, your interviewer did not ask the obvious, tough, followup question. Seemed a little silly to me.

It seems "Some critics say" is used more as a shield for the journalist and his or her own opinion than as tool for balance.

I love Arianna - she is Ginger and Maryanne wrapped in one, smart and sexy.

I don't read her either, but to the point of manufactured opposition, it is rampant in the media. However, while there may be issues where there is only one truth there are plenty of issues that need more than one or two sides aired.

It is hard to be harsh with Ms. Huffington, she deflects so deftly and charmingly.

I was going to let this go, but after the news today about Tim Russert's passing I changed my mind. The trading of cheap shots directed at Mr. Russert by Ms. Huffington and Mr. Garfield only goes to show how far left of center they are. Tim Russert was a fair and balanced professional and it is only through the distorted liberal lens of Huffington and Garfield that he can be portrayed otherwise.

Amen, Sam. There is a disturbing trend of thought that keeps cropping on on OTM that certain points of view are wrong and should not be aired by the media, and this piece is a prime example. If journalists will concentrate on digging up facts (rather than expressing personal opinions under the guise of "analysis"), people will sort out for themselves what the truth is. To his credit, Tim Russert through his interviews usually added more facts to our store of knowledge.

there is a role for analysis, opinions, as well as raw unbiased news in the media, as long as people dont mistake one for the other. and there is nothing wrong with having different viewpoints presented for the audience to judge on their own, but the news media should question and analyze these viewpoints and arguments. if a journalist is trying to be objective he/she should not endorse one opinion on a topic or present only one opinion and exclude the others.

I'd be interested to know why my comment was pulled.