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July 12, 2005
PBS Investigates, Absolves Self Of Bias
In this week's Irony Alert, the half-vast editorial staff is relieved to learn (via the perenially even-handed WaPo) that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting conducted an impartial investigation and announces, in an unreleased report critics denounce as "seriously flawed", that its programming is completely free of bias against conservatives:****
Is public broadcasting a nest of left-wing biases? Ken Tomlinson of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds public television and radio, was so concerned about the alleged leftward drift of programs on National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service that the CPB chairman persuaded his agency to hire not one but two ombudsmen to review and critique NPR and PBS news segments.So what kind of slanted reporting have Ken Bode and William Schulz uncovered since they began work three months ago?
As it turns out, not much. Actually, as it turns out, none at all.
Instead, Bode and Schulz have been positively glowing in their assessments of the journalism heard on NPR and seen on news shows distributed by PBS. So glowing, in fact, that Schulz and Bode's reports, which are posted on CPB's Web site could easily be excerpted in the shorthand style of a movie ad quoting favorable reviews. To wit:"First-rate. . . . Insightful interviews. . . . In all, two excellent reports." -- Schulz on NPR's reporting from Mosul, Iraq, in late April."Excellent. . . . Informative. . . . These two reports gave a nuanced and balanced view of the situation. . . . Kudos to the producers, reporters and editors." -- Bode, on the same stories.
**** buried at the bottom of page two:
Said Schulz: "It's far too early for me, at least, to come to a conclusion about overall balance, or in individual programs. That will become more apparent as we listen more and watch more."
Posted by Cassandra at July 12, 2005 09:47 AM
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Comments
It is this kind of solid journalism and intense scrutiny that fills me with confidence in the MSM.
A month or so ago, the Georgia Public Radio announced the results of IT'S survey and came to the same conclusion. I will say this for them; while their reporting is from a certain left wing bias,
they will get in the facts, but they still tell you what to think and why you need to think their way.
Why are we not surprised? These broadcasts are nuanced, you see.
Posted by: Cricket at July 12, 2005 11:22 AM
Talk about yer Freudian slips...I read the headline as
"PBS Investigates, Absolves Self of Abuse."
Okay...back to my regularly scheduled surfing
Posted by: Cricket at July 12, 2005 12:06 PM
Good news. I just did a study, and it turns out that I am the smartest, least baised and most often right person in the entire blogosphere.
And all the chicks dig me.
I will publish this study for peer review later. Perhaps. Frankly, I am concerned that all the stupid, biased people in the blogosphere will make unsubstantiated charges against me, so it may be best to just keep the study under wraps.
Posted by: KJ at July 12, 2005 05:58 PM
Buried in the article?
Said Schulz: "It's far too early for me, at least, to come to a conclusion about overall balance, or in individual programs. That will become more apparent as we listen more and watch more."
Why did they even bother to publish this part, when they have already decided that there is no bias? Hmmm? Could bias be involved? NAH! Silly me!
KJ, something tells me that your conclusions are at least as valid as this, "self-policing," by PBS!
Posted by: JannyMae at July 12, 2005 06:53 PM
Janny,
You would be more right than you think.
Pile and I co-sponsored a study, which found just that. Check out the Cheese and the Institute for more.
Uh, is it ok to advertise here?
Posted by: KJ at July 13, 2005 11:55 AM
Wow! Spot on research, KJ! Count me in amongst one of the chicks who dig you!
Posted by: JannyMae at July 13, 2005 02:52 PM