ABC // Current

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Sarah Palin, Michael Jackson, and Crying Girls

In his weekly roundup of the crazy world of 24-hour media madness, Conor Knighton looks at the media's desperate attempt to... more

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1. A Target of Corporate Crime shares his story about Crime & Justice

My name is Gérard Angé, This is my story about a nightmare I have been living for the last six years. At the time... more

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Craziest 911 Calls

There's one thing every news organization knows... Morons abusing 911 makes for ratings gold! Conor Knighton takes a look at... more

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ABC or PRAVDA? ---> DRUDGE REPORT: ABC REFUSES OPPOSITION ADS

ABC REFUSES OPPOSITION ADS DURING WHITE HOUSE SPECIAL ABC is refusing to air paid ads during its White House health care... more

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ABC News president calls GOP’s healthcare attacks a ’sorry spectacle’

The GOP does not like to be told “No.” And, according to ABC News President David Westin, they are not above throwing a “sorry spectacle” to get that point across.

That’s why all 40 members of the Republicans’ newly-formed, so-called “Media Fairness Caucus” signed a letter (PDF link) attacking ABC’s planned conversation on healthcare reform, which will broadcast from the White House on June 24. The group takes exception to being denied ad spots to counter the president’s advocacy of universal health insurance. They claim ABC News will present a one-sided program intended to support the White House’s proposals.

The attacks did not go unnoticed to the editorial planners at ABC News. In a forceful response Tuesday afternoon, ABC News President David Westin promised a “thoughtful” exploration of the debate at hand, carrying a variety of perspectives presented by private citizens.

“Unfortunately, [Republicans] have found it appropriate to criticize a program that has not yet aired,” he wrote (PDF link). “Contrary to your assertions, this will not be ’slanted’ in any way – much less a ‘day-long infomercial’ or ‘in-kind free advertising as you allege.”

Republicans’ criticism on this issue is especially striking considering the Fox network’s integral relationship with Republicans and the prior administration. During the Bush-era, Fox News dedicated huge amounts airtime to pushing White House-drafted “talking points,” according to former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan. The network is also home to numerous Republican editorialists who frequently give guest time to other GOP opinion-makers, but shout down or mock opposing views.

“[Such] criticism ignores the fact that the Bush administration repeatedly gave exclusive access to Fox News, which often used such opportunities to ask softball questions and run specials about the administration,” noted Media Matters.

“We are proud to be making a serious effort to go beyond mere punditry or stylized, bipolar debate; we are proud to work for a network and a company willing to devote valuable airtime to serious consideration of a subject so worthy,” Westin wrote.The GOP does not like to be told “No.” And, according to ABC News President David Westin, they are not above throwing... more