Geraldo Puts On A Show
Who are the troops ("good guys") serving as Geraldo's backdrop for his rah-rah reports from the Iraqi desert ("wild west")? I'd rather see them at work, going about their normal routines -- I don't need a row of military faces behind the anchor. Rivera offered a "good news" package from Rick Leventhal, who told viewers about "a story you don't often hear" -- shops are opening, education is improving, cell phone use is expanding. Why did most of the show consist of Geraldo interviewing guests back in stateside studios? If you're in Iraq, show the viewers around... 11:12:19 PM

Campbell and Candy Among Top Poli-journos
Harry Jaffe offers buzz on what campaign journos are on the top of the heap in the Washingtonian: "NBC’s Campbell Brown has had her share of smart dispatches...Candy Crowley of CNN remains 'reliably good,' in the words of a competing producer. [Dotty] Lynch of CBS says of CNN’s Jeff Greenfield: 'He’s consistently smart, someone I have pay attention to.'" 8:48:38 PM

Media Notes: Banfield, Rivera, Miller...
Ashleigh Banfield is still hanging around NBC -- anchored 'The News' on CNBC Friday night // Geraldo is live from Iraq again this weekend, using words like 'we,' 'us,' and 'the enemy' too often // Dennis Miller "announced Thursday that a studio audience will be brought in in early March," an e-mailer says. "Tonight's inclusion of Dana Carvey on the Varsity panel was a masterstroke." Is Friedman already making a difference?... 8:48:23 PM

Haiti Increasingly Dangerous for Journalists
"Government supporters in Haiti are increasingly harassing and attacking journalists, underlining growing anger and desperation as they confront a bloody rebellion." Interesting AP piece... 8:40:04 PM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" "Me, me" instead of "Who, what..."
GoodKingRichard with his thoughts: "I realize "subjective" journalism is de rigueur these days, and many of the critics of objective journalism raise some valid points about an elitist bias in the media. But here's the problem with subjective journalism: It makes the reporter's opinions take a central role in the reporting of the story, even if the reporter doesn't intend it. And no reporter's opinions are EVER more important than the story they're reporting. In this celebrity media culture, we seem to have lost track of "who, what, where, when, why, and how" - and "me, me, me, me, me" is now the overarching philosophy. Frankly, I don't care what the reporter or anchor reporting the story thinks. I want the news, straight up. Is that too much to ask?" 8:38:15 PM

Quote of the day
In the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Perhaps Shakespeare, writing 400 years ago, somehow envisioned the era of 24-hour news channels when he coined that line about "sound and fury, signifying nothing." It could be the motto for what passes for discussion and commentary on the crowded television landscape these days." 1:42:00 AM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" More Reader E-mails
"I don't mind the lack of objectivity," John writes in. "I just mind the dishonesty about it." Vidiot agrees: "You know, it's fine that Fox "is arguably the first mainstream, widely distributed news medium to leave the objectivity God behind." That's fine. What I object to is their constant trumpeting of themselves as "fair and balanced" while they're doing it. They're obviously not balanced, and they're frequently not fair. They should just cut the crap and call themselves something honest." Dee has a similar thought: "That is my huge issue with Fox--portraying themselves as something they are not--this deception that they have very successfully pulled over the American public. What ever happened to Truth in Advertising? Yeah, I know, it never existited either, but to me it's an outrage that Fox chose this slogan and beats it into the ground. We Report, You Decide? Yeah, right. And I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you too." Should it stop with FOX? What should CNN call itself? Or the New York Times?... 4:58:52 PM

FOX Scoops NBC, CNN on Nader Bid
Ralph Nader is coming on Meet the Press Sunday to announce whether or not he will make another run for the White House, MSNBC.com says. But FOXNews.com already says that "Nader's back" -- "Consumer advocate to enter 2004 race for White House as independent candidate, advisers say." And CNN.com has nothing... 4:58:26 PM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" Media Balanced, but not Fair
At NationalJournal.com, Vaughn Ververs says that the press is balanced, because "both sides of the political spectrum are yelling about coverage." But fairness is another matter. "If everyone is angry, reporters must be doing something right, correct? That may be true to an extent. The Fourth Establishment certainly is succeeding in becoming the object of universal outrage. But while the press may have achieved balance through extremes, it's done a better job of simply achieving extremes. It's not hard to argue that the press is unfair, but it is now harder to argue that it targets one side more than the other. Can you call that progress?" 10:40:05 AM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" A View from London
Ed in London has a unique perspective: "As a student of political science and journalism studying this semester in London, it's been fascinating reading the more than 10 national dailies and sampling their obvious biases: "The Independent" is more left-wing as is "The Guardian. "The Daily Telegraph" and "The Times" lean to the right...As for a lack of objectivity, why not? If anything, leaving objectivity behind will make viewers and readers more media literate and will help citizens distinguish the true differences between the left and right. Britons are very well-versed in news issues and seem to have a good understanding of their political party's disagreements. Let it happen, I think it'd be entertaining and would inform viewers and readers not only about the news, but also about broader political issues." 10:04:14 AM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" Why Is Bias Always Denied?
Murrowfan says it's a load of crap: "Media biases didn't exist until FNC started pummeling CNN? -- am I mistaken, or does John Stossel's new book address the liberal bias that has been the norm at ABC for decades? Why target Brit Hume? He's about as 'fair and balanced' as it gets, in my opinion. How come I see so many discussions involving both the Republican and Democratic point-of-view during FNC programming?" Question: What if FOX let go of 'fair and balanced,' and admitted a conservative tilt? What then? 10:00:58 AM

"Leaving the objectivity God behind:" Viewers Must Take an Active Role
Kyle writes in to say that the emergence of slanted news sources is not a problem -- as long as "the viewing masses understand that this journalism is not objective." He notes that the viewers "should strive to have multiple sources of news and points of view." An essential question: Are students being taught how to gather news from multiple sources? Also: "I challenge the fact the news has ever been objective to begin with -- whether certain networks strove for objectivity or not, a certain bias always influenced how they reported. The most critical point in this whole debate is to ensure the voice of the minority is heard -- we cannot have all liberal or all conservative networks if we are throwing objectivity out the door (which I think we are)." 1:36:14 AM

Krauthammer Dissects Candidates' "exploitation of media conventions"
Charles Krauthammer notes the "exploitation of media conventions" in the Post today. "The cable channels all covered the Tuesday night victory and concession speeches, which the candidates invariably turned into opportunities to deliver their stump speeches to a national audience." He asks a good question: "What have you gleaned from the wall-to-wall cable news coverage of the candidates' debates, rallies and victory/concession speeches?" 1:32:05 AM

Is Countdown the Best News Show on Cable?
An interesting thread at the Watercooler about the Countdown: "I think that if MSNBC were smart, they'd move Olbermann opposite Brown's show," one person suggests. "I think it would be a far more interesting option than Aaron Brown's snooze fest." Keith's pet project is praised: "It's not just the focusing on a few stories that makes Countdown different from other formats. It's the humor and the way different elements are weaved together...It may be the best news program on cable." The idea also pops up at the MSNBC MSN group... 1:31:21 AM

Discussion: Leaving the Objectivity God Behind
Geneva Overholser comments on the Brit Hume award controversy she sparked earlier this month in a Poynter column tonight. "Liking or disliking Fox News was never the point," she says. "What's important is acknowledging it as something new and important on the landscape of mainstream American journalism." Keep reading: "Fox News is arguably the first mainstream, widely distributed news medium to leave the objectivity God behind," she notes. "If we're jettisoning the objectivity commandment, though, shouldn't we have the discussion? You can make a strong case for it, you can make a strong case against it, but you can't make any case at all until you acknowledge that it's happening." Amen. Let's start the discussion.

Leaving "the objectivity God behind"
what will the impact be on journalism and society?

Name:

Type as much as you want.

10:47:29 PM

Quote of the day
From TVSpy: "Sadly, CNN is like the ol' Titantic, heading along the ocean in the dark, unaware it's about to hit the big iceberg. The newscasts are for the most part, unwatchable...Rick will crush 'em...just wait, one year from now, CNN will be second and falling to third and Rick will be getting MSNBC in shape. I wish him well." 10:00:40 PM

Sean Hannity's Whirlwind Book Tour
Greta with a blog post: "It is one thing to write a book but you still must market it. Guess who is really good at selling a book and getting the word out? My colleague Sean Hannity." You can say that again -- he's Too good at it. (My friend loved his appearance in D.C. yesterday, though.) Greta notes that he has chartered a plane for the book tour... 8:12:42 PM

FOX Exclusive: "Killers Crossing Our Borders;" "The Terrorists Next Door"
FOX has a very-special special premiering Sunday night. It's called "Breaking Point: The Terrorists Next Door." This breathless teaser text will leave you terrified: "America's borders with Mexico and Canada in combination with toothless immigration laws are ingredients for another terrorist attack. SUNDAY AT 9PM ET, in a special you'll only see on FNC, Linda Vester sits down with local law enforcement, public officials and victims of the killers crossing our borders." It's not freedom-seekers who are crossing our borders to pick our plants -- no, it's killer terrorists. Look how scared Linda looks at FOX Fan Central... 8:03:02 PM

Last Week's Cable News Viewer Index
Cynopsis reports the news viewer index for February 9 to 15. In total day, "Fox News had 48% of the viewing, CNN 27%, MSNBC 14%; and Headline News 11%." In primetime, "Fox News had 51%, CNN 28%, MSNBC 12% and Headline News 8%." 8:50:28 AM

Sad: Only 20,000 Viewers Watch 'Topic A'
Tina Brown's "Topic A" on CNBC is an interesting show -- but no one is bothering to tune in. In the NY Daily News: "...Last Sunday's 8 p.m. installment...drew only 20,000 viewers - a 67% plummet from the previous Sunday's debut and a rating so low that it barely registers on the buzz-o-meter." Maybe going weekly wasn't such a great idea... 8:48:22 AM

Soledad Pregnant With Twins
AM anchor Soledad O'Brien is pregnant with twins. "Can you believe it?," she tells Lloyd Grove. "It's kind of shocking." She has two kids currently, and is due for two more sometime in late summer. (Hat tip: CNNFan) 8:46:56 AM

Critic Suggests New MSNBC Show: 'Firing Line'
In the Rocky Mountain News this morning, an idea for MSNBC: "Schedule a regular series called Firing Line, which has a familiar ring and thus might draw viewers to the network. Rather than being a reprise of the public television's talking-head series with William Buckley, Firing Line could feature fired MSNBC hosts who would make occasional appearances, bringing opinions and guest stars." Phil Donahue, Alan Keyes, Laura Ingraham, Oliver North, Mary Matalin, Jesse Ventura, Lawerence O'Donnell, Michael Savage, the list goes on and on... 8:07:24 AM

! Did Pre-Primary Polls Skew Battle for 'Momentum?'
The New York Times in Thursday editions: "Yesterday the source for [expectations of a huge Kerry victory], polls before the primary, were criticized for missing a late surge in popularity for Mr. Edwards, prompting a contentious debate within the news media over whether news outlets have been over-reliant on such polls. Some questioned whether Mr. Edwards received a bigger public relations bounce from his showing than he should have." An important story... 1:59:18 AM

More Pink Slips at CNN?
TVSpy posters repeat rumors of more pink slips at CNN. Correspondent Brian Cabell left CNN this week, several posts say. Another person says that Art Harris is out, as well... 11:59:20 PM

Rant: CNN's Candy Crowley Needs to Surf Some Blogs
A cold Candy Crowley on CNN tonight: "The campaign put out a final blog on Dean for president tonight," she said. Damn it, Candy, you're apparently one of the journos who doesn't 'get' it: First, it's called Dean for America or Blog for America. Second, it's not a "final blog" -- it's a "final blog post." But even that is incorrect -- there's no indication that tonight's posts were the end. A blog is a living, breathing entity -- it never really ends. I'm sorry it didn't fit your clever narrative, but you made fundamental mistakes. Do a bit more web surfing, and at least get the name right next time. 10:11:11 PM

How To Improve 'Dennis Miller:' Dump Dennis?
"If they really want to improve the Dennis Miller Show on CNBC, they'll dump Dennis," John writes in. "I saw the show for the first time the other night and couldn't believe how bad it was. I know Dennis drank Dubya's kool-aid, but that didn't mean that he had to lose his sense of humor, did it?" He suggests a replacement: "I know, give the show to Al Franken. Or better yet, give Al Franken on MSNBC, put Franken opposite O'Reilly and Paula Zahn and let Olbermann follow." What a ratings war that would be... 9:14:44 PM

Style: It's How to 'Sell' MSNBC
I like the way MSNBC is positioning its primetime shows. Two teases in tonight's newsletter are good examples. "Hey, you can get the news or you can get the news Olbermann style," the Countdown preview said. And for Scarborough Country: "Tune in and see what you can do to help as Joe continues his fight for decency on television." Offer a compelling product, and the viewers will tune in -- that is Rick's hope, and I tend to agree... 8:55:52 PM

"Big Idea" is a Great Idea
CNBC's "Big Idea" show (hosted by "renowned Madison Avenue maverick Donny Deutsch," the press release says) always features a unique mix of guests. Tonight's show (10pm and 1am) is no different: Donald Trump, Carson Daly, an NFL agent, three SI swimsuit models, and a judge on "America's Next Top Model" will appear. (Press release) 8:24:16 PM

Hardball: "We're the best, aren't we?"
The Hardball team isn't modest: "And how about our coverage last night? We're the best, aren't we? I flipped around the channels a bit last night and found the others guys pretty boring and don't have any personality....Chris and our panel delivered hard news and facts with a serious dose of fun and personality: What Emeril would call 'kickin' it up a notch'...When I spoke to Chris earlier today I called it 'Razzmatazz,' the show's newsletter said today... 8:23:46 PM

Greta Describes Difficulties of Live TV
Greta takes readers behind the scenes of last night's On the Record. "This IS live TV," she says, and explains the technical challenges yesterday evening. "At five minutes to 10, I had no idea where I would be doing the show -- or when... or even 'if,' she writes. Interesting... 8:18:56 PM

Shakeup, Day 3: Kaplan, Shapiro, Zucker: The Dynamic
The Hollywood Reporter with important details: "Shapiro and Kaplan could be on the hot seat. Sources familiar with NBC's decision said that Jeff Zucker, president of the NBC Entertainment, News and Cable Group who became Shapiro's boss at NBC News two months ago, has given the move his blessing but at the same time has told Shapiro that he is responsible for Kaplan's hiring. Shapiro said that he transferred Sorenson now -- after months of speculation about his future -- because "we had reached the point of stability"...But sources familiar with the matter also suggested that the timing is related to Zucker's recent addition of news to his portfolio. Zucker was traveling Tuesday and could not be reached for comment." Must-read... 2:34:04 PM

Shakeup, Day 3: "Maybe Rick Kaplan will catch a wave," Schonfeld says
Reese Schonfeld weighs in on Kaplan's hiring: "He probably wasn’t the right guy to hire for CNN and it certainly wasn’t right for CNN to fire him when it did. Kaplan had been directing CNN’s political coverage on the way to the 2000 presidential election. He was fired in September 2000, just when his presence was most needed and CNN’s election ratings dived...Those of you who have been following the market share reports may have noticed that MSNBC has picked up a couple of share points from CNN over the past three months. Maybe Rick Kaplan will catch a wave. Anyway he gets the dream of every fired executive, the chance to compete head on with the guys who fired him." 2:31:58 PM

Quote of the day
Joe Hagan sums up the media's reaction to Drudge's Kerry rumors in the NY Observer: "On the eve of Mr. Kerry’s denial on Imus in the Morning, TV anchors and correspondents wrinkled their noses at the foul, unnamed thing in the room. That night, CNN’s Aaron Brown read an item on NewsNight saying, 'The big political news of the day' was the impending endorsement of Senator John Kerry by General Wesley Clark, adding, 'We emphasize news.' Message: We’re not reporting these vile rumors that you may have heard about, for we are a legitimate news organization, above such scandal-mongering. (Next on Larry King Live: Laci Peterson!)" 2:29:06 PM

Shakeup, Day 3: Kaplan Promises No "Radical Changes"
Rick Kaplan certainly knows what to say to calm his employees and viewers. "One of the things MSNBC needs most is some patience with the schedule," he tells USA Today. No "radical changes" are coming, he says; "Part of the problem is that MSNBC hasn't been given a chance for shows to develop and improve." And he comments on the competition: "We're going to do great if we do great, not if they do poorly," he says. "What they do, whatever they do, doesn't impact on what we do." Good story... 10:13:53 AM

Shakeup, Day 3: Kaplan's Old Colleagues Comment
The Chicago Tribune gets some of Kaplan's old co-workers on the phone for a reaction piece. Frank Sesno: "He is volatile, but brilliant. He is capable of electrifying a room, and people will work their butts off for this guy." Tom Yellin: "It's going to change, change, change." Former CNN co-worker Gail Evans: "I would think that he would try to challenge CNN and Fox at every corner. But my guess would be he'll try to take CNN on over politics." 10:12:30 AM

Shakeup, Day 3: Wrapping Up The Newspaper Columns
Clever lead from Stephen Battaglio in the Daily News: "New MSNBC President Rick Kaplan doesn't plan to blow up the news channel in order to save it. At least not yet." But he finds an anonymous exec to quote: "...Everybody is expecting Kaplan to look at everything very critically."
|| Also: Gail Shister has details of how the deal went down || WashPost says Sorenson has more than a year left on his contract 10:12:17 AM

The Future of FOXNews.com
"Fox News Channel's Web site has always been a lean operation, but now the site has added free video and a deep politics section," this article in the Online Journalism Review says. Bert Solivan, the site's GM, discusses the site in an interesting Q&A.; Impressive: "We're averaging about 50,000 to 75,000 e-mails a week, so it's probably about 10,000 per day." A full site redesign is slated for this summer... 10:02:08 AM

Edwards Screws Up The Media's Narrative
Howard Kurtz reads between the lines: "'A much closer race than many of us had expected,' said CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Translation: The press was so busy covering a Kerry-Bush race and awarding Edwards the No. 2 spot that its members had all but discounted the possibility of an Edwards surge. Shades of Iowa, where Edwards seemingly came out of nowhere to finish within 4 points of Kerry." 9:12:31 AM

Shakeup: Kaplan Speaks: "I have a great deal of confidence"
Quotes from a Variety interview with Rick Kaplan:
> "I have a great deal of confidence in this group of people. They don't seem to have the attitude that they are losing anything. They have a real sense that maybe this can be our decade."
> "There's no 'I'll open this envelope, and this will be the winning format.' It's a matter of engaging the audience and putting on programs that are the most interesting we can do."
The article says that "during a two-hour afternoon town-hall meeting for all MSNBC staffers, the imposing Kaplan assured them there are no plans to clean house." More... 10:33:54 PM

Shakeup: Kaplan's History at CNN Comes Under Scrutiny
Ouch! Check out this line in Reuters' MSNBC shakeup story: "Kaplan's tumultuous tenure at CNN ended in 2000 with him quitting amid a major management shake-up as CNN's ratings languished near 13-year lows." Here's the rest... 10:32:07 PM

Shakeup: Imus Disses Kaplan: "Didn't he nearly ruin CNN?"
Imus didn't have anything nice to say about "that big gummy-looking, snail-gut-sucking, back-stabbing weasal" Rick Kaplan this morning. "Didn't he nearly ruin CNN?," the radio host asked. The hosts audibly laughed at the news. Apparently Imus and Rick don't exactly get along. "Congratulations to our old friend Rick; I'm sure he'll do" -- Imus couldn't finish the sarcastic sentence without laughing. "By the way, the only person on MSNBC who actually makes any news in interviewing these people is me...so that's the kind of shape they are in." (Hat tip: MSNBC MSN group posted the audio file.) 10:31:19 PM

Shakeup: Eric Alterman Praises Kaplan; Calls him the "Perfect Choice"
"Stop the presses: MSNBC-TV does something right," Eric Alterman writes on msnbc.com. "...Rick Kaplan is the perfect choice to take it over and turn MSNBC into something in which everyone associated with the network can (finally) take pride...With MSNBC he's got a near clean slate and plenty of resources to work with. Not everything he tries will work, but I'm guessing the days of Faux-Fox are over...Finally, it's a new day on cable. Let's see what it's turns out to be good for." 10:30:44 PM

CNN Clergy Report Hyped Outdated Information, Researchers Say
Uhoh: "Researchers conducting a national survey on sex abuse by Roman Catholic clergy said Tuesday that a draft report viewed by CNN was a month old and did not contain all the data submitted by dioceses," the AP reports tonight. Apparently information submitted since January has included corrections to the draft CNN obtained. CNN.com featured the news as their top story for hours yesterday afternoon... 10:29:20 PM

Primary Time: 'The Whip' Offers Tonight's Headlines
It felt like a replay of the Iowa caucus during The Whip on NewsNight tonight. Kelly Wallace with Kerry: "Advisers extremely pleased that he is victorious here in Wisconsin. They say a win is a win, no matter how close the race [may] be." Dan Lothian with Edwards: "Senator Edwards had been sensing momentum in his campaign...tonight, a much better than expected performance." Candy Crowley with Dean: "Let's face it -- Howard Dean is 0 for 17...He is coming in, we think, a distant third tonight. It's going to be very hard to pretty that up." 10:16:55 PM

Primary Time: Cablers Call WI for Kerry; Race Still Very Close
FOX, CNN and MSNBC all projected a Kerry win between 9:53 and 9:54pm. "FOX Projects Kerry Wins WI By A Small Margin Over Edwards," the lower third said at 10pm. "CNN is declaring Kerry the winner even though he’s 600 votes behind with 24% reporting!," Command Post pointed out. "CNN projects Dewey beats Truman!," a DU post joked. 10:15:54 PM

Primary Time: Media Notes From Around the 'Net
Edwards spoke to Larry King around 9:20pm, chatted with Chris Matthews at 9:30, and appeared on FOX at 9:40 // "...From seeing the cable TV coverage now, the media is giving it to Edwards tonight," a FReeper says // "We love it when TV talking heads pretend they haven't seen exit polls," Wonkette said in an interesting post earlier tonight... 9:46:13 PM

Primary Time: Tonight's Narrative: Edwards, Kerry in Two Man Race
"It could become a close race right to the end," Chris Matthews said (hoped?) on MSNBC. Joe Scarborough noted that this primary marks the first time where the media didn't call a race for Kerry immediately. Indeed, it looks to be Edwards' night: There are "a lot of slacked jaws" at his HQ, FOX reported near the top of the hour. The CNN.com headline at 9:15pm: "Edwards running stronger than expected." "Edwards is running to win," Fred Barnes said. "He's hoping for a late surge." // The other question tonight: Why did Dean fail? George Mitchell on CNN: "There was a huge press frenzy to declare him the winner before any voters were cast, and I think the voters kind of resented that." 9:17:31 PM

Primary Time: Cablers Say It's "Too Close to Call"
"Tonight, all eyes are on Wisconsin," CNN's Wolf Blitzer said at 8:59 as a "polls closing" clock ticked down. FOX presented their "Best Current Estimate" of exit poll data at 9:00:01; CNN led 10 seconds later; and MSNBC presented the numbers by 9:00:15. Blitzer called the race "closer than we expected...we don't have enough information right now to project a winner." But: "We can project that Howard Dean will emerge as a distant, distant third." Chris Matthews asked if this "showdown" is "what we've been waiting for"... 9:13:59 PM

Hardball Bumps Debbie Tonight
Deborah Norville's (pathetic) MSNBC show is being bumped tonight -- Chris Matthews is playing Hardball at both 7pm and 9pm. The show's newsletter notes Howard Dean's big night: "Could be do or die, make or break...Pick your cliche." Olbermann is manning the exit poll desk. Joe Trippi will be on hand again tonight -- I bet his comments will be interesting, to say the least... 6:43:45 PM

You Know It's A Slow News Day When...
"Just saw Fox News do a 'news alert' on the new Sports Illustrated 40th annual swimsuit issue 'flying off the newsstands,'" DCRTV Dave writes in an e-mail today. I know it's a dull news day, but come on -- can't they do another gay-marriage-bashing segment instead? 6:42:21 PM

Keith Calls Countdown "Fastest Growing Newscast in Television"
A local radio station GM suggested recently that Keith Olbermann should replace Tony Kornheiser on the AM dial. The Countdown host replies in an email to The Tennessean: "...I've just celebrated a year since my return to MSNBC. Countdown is the fastest growing newscast in television and I'm very happy doing it." Also: "I have it on good authority that Keith Olbermann's show will be around for awhile, although nothing is forever in television," Howie said today in a WP chat. 6:39:07 PM

Close Call in Iraq: NBC Crew 100 Feet from Bombing
An NBC crew in Iraq had a close call today. An explosion went off about 100 feet away as the group filmed the opening of a new school. "NBC Crew Captures Bombing In Iraq," the graphics read, though the video wasn't too impressive. No one was injured. 5:34:47 PM

'Dennis Miller' on CNBC: Steve Friedman to the Rescue
Veteran producer Steve Friedman will serve as a consultant for CNBC's struggling 'Dennis Miller,' Newsblues reports. He is currently EP for the upcoming PBS program "Flashpoints USA." He has a long history with NBC -- KNBC, 'Today,' 'NBC Nightly News,' 'Dateline' -- and created 'The Early Show' as we know it now. "Friedman met with Miller and staff this past Thursday and is due to return later today to set up shop semi-permanently," the site reports. It's a two-month contract... 5:33:50 PM

MSNBC Ratings Spike During Imus's Kerry Interview
Quoting Drudge: "Kerry on IMUS pulled .6 rating at 7:30-7:45 am on Friday -- MSNBC highest rated household quarter hour of day, outpacing evening programming." Wouldn't you love for MSNBC to go all-political, all-the-time? Become the channel that's on in every Capitol Hill office?... 5:32:11 PM

Shakeup: One Final Thought
Well that's enough Shakeup coverage, eh? LostRemote says I'm going nuts. I have been a fan of MSNBC since literally the day it premiered. I remember all the shows, all the anchors, all the highs and lows. Lately, though, I've been more inclined to change the channel. Wrapping it up with a quote from the new president. "The great talent at MSNBC, a clear direction for its programming and the power and promotional platform of NBC are a recipe for success," Kaplan said in the press release today. He promises to create a "unified vision" for the network. Let's see it... 3:41:36 PM

Shakeup: One More Round of Reader Reaction
Some more interesting viewer comments. "What can Kaplan do? How about giving up on being the next FOX," one reader writes in. "I would try to build this network around Olberman. He's witty. Intelligent. Can write great copy and get to the point. There's no bias either way. This could create a true alternative." Anybody think that'll happen? // Check out this TVSpy thought: "The writing is shoddy, the anchors are unknown twinkies (with the exception of Lester, Chris and Matthews) and nothing is enterprised. Everything is an affiliate re-tread or a network package re-run...This place needs a new agenda, a new attitude and a new way of doing things. So much money has been wasted and so many flops have occured. It ought to be real interesting." 3:40:55 PM

Shakeup: Kaplan "has accepted another daunting cable news challenge"
I like the way TVWeek positions the story: "Rick Kaplan, who interrupted his long run at ABC News to take a quixotic tilt at fixing CNN from 1997 to 2000, has accepted another daunting cable news challenge." Clever. Tidbit: "Mr. Sorenson's perseverance and articulateness have earned him well-positioned fans" at 30 Rock, the pub says... 3:40:14 PM

Shakeup: "They didn't hire him to rearrange the office furniture"
Howie, in a WashPost online chat this afternoon: "I have no idea what Rick Kaplan will do, but they didn't hire him to rearrange the office furniture. He's a high-energy, hard-charging guy who has already gone one round in the cable wars at CNN. My guess is he'll try to give MS a clearer identity (given all its past changes) and make better use of the NBC brand and resources. I guess the "America's News Channel" thing didn't work." Neither did the documentaries, the extreme commentators, the tilted-right... 1:59:51 PM

Shakeup: MSNBC.com Posts Story; AP Updates Wire Copy
MSNBC posts the press release and pretends it's a news story, linking it from the home page. "MSNBC Cable replacing president," the title reads. (It's not on foxnews.com or cnn.com yet...hmm.) The Associated Press write-up has been updated slightly... 1:20:02 PM

Shakeup: Sorenson's New Assignment: "Long-term strategic projects"
"Sorenson will lead a smooth transition over the next couple weeks and will then join NBC News working with Shapiro on long-term strategic projects," MSNBC announced today. Neal Shapiro says that Erik's "experience and expertise will be invaluable as the news division faces new programming and business challenges." Sorenson said that he is "delighted to be handing over the reins to such a capable producer and leader." Ha ha... 12:32:00 PM

FLASH: Shakeup: MSNBC Press Release Confirms Kaplan Announcement
Quoting the press release: "Richard Kaplan, veteran journalist for more than 30 years, has been named President of MSNBC, NBC News' 24-hour cable channel. The announcement was made today by NBC News President Neal Shapiro and is effective immediately. "I worked with Rick for 13 years at ABC News and I know firsthand the energy and innovation that is his trademark," said Shapiro. "He knows every aspect of the news business, from cable to broadcast, and brings an incomparable wealth of knowledge and experience to the position." Here is the long press release. 12:29:08 PM

Shakeup: Bauder Writes It Up on the AP Wire
David Bauder's version of the story hit the AP wire around 10:10am. He says that anonymous executives at NBC and ABC confirmed the move. He doesn't advance the story, but does take the opportunity to remind readers of ratings woes... 10:31:03 AM

Shakeup: Will MSNBC Take a Hard News Approach?
In the LA Times today, Elizabeth Jensen points out that "as the presidential race heats up, the network has been relying more on its NBC News correspondents, similar to a strategy it used during the Iraq war — an approach that would play to Kaplan's strengths in hard news." Will we see an end to Access Hollywood inserts and Michael Jackson obsession? 10:27:16 AM

Shakeup: Kaplan a "very creative guy"
"Ex-'Nightliner' tapped for troubled news net," Stephen Battaglio says in the NY Daily News today. A good anonymous quote: "He's a very creative guy who knows television inside and out. Whether he can breathe life into a moribund operation is another story. But everyone agrees it can't stay the way it is." 9:16:54 AM

Shakeup: Reaction Among MSNBC Employees Apparently Positive
Good riddance, one insider writes to CableNewser: "Reaction in the ranks at MS is very positive in terms of Erik's departure. Sorensen was lethal for morale. There have been so many problems there that he did not make any effort to solve, including the use of temporary workers, the quick cancellation of promising shows and the overzealous remote controlling of the network from 30 Rock by Lack and now Shapiro." Viewers are celebrating -- check out MSNBC MSN group's special blog. 8:04:48 AM

Shakeup: "There's no reason why MSNBC shouldn't be its own powerhouse"
From the New York Post: "Kaplan, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs more than 200 pounds, is known as much for his tempestuous personality as his news acumen"..."'With the power of NBC News behind it, there's no reason why MSNBC shouldn't be its own powerhouse,' said one industry source who knows Kaplan"...Also, here's Hollywood Reporter's take on the story. 8:03:21 AM

Shakeup: Kaplan "Plunging Back Into the Cable News Wars"
Variety says that Kaplan is "plunging back into the cable news wars, signing on to lead an overhaul of struggling Peacock cabler MSNBC," in a story posted at 1am. He must not have watched Feeding the Beast, eh?... 1:38:13 AM

Shakeup: Announcement Expected Tuesday -- NYT Sources
Jacques Steinberg in the New York Times also reports the Sorenson out story, citing "three executives at NBC and ABC." The news could come in a matter of hours: "The appointment of Mr. Kaplan - and the reassignment of Mr. Sorenson to a position at NBC headquarters - is expected to be announced today by Neal Shapiro, the president of NBC News." Steinberg couldn't find a suit to go on the record, but got a great anonymous bite: "It was time for a change, to bring a new perspective to the channel." 1:35:13 AM

Shakeup: WashPost Picks Up the Story; "More Changes Lie Ahead"
Howard Kurtz pens a story titled "MSNBC Boots Its President, Hires ABC's Kaplan" on the front page of Style in Tuesday's Washington Post. (Look, I woke up at 1:00am to post this link.) He cites industry sources. "...In hiring Kaplan, 56, a large man with an aggressive style and outsize personality, the Microsoft-NBC venture is clearly signaling that more changes lie ahead." Kurtz hits the high and low points of Kaplan's career in the story... 1:32:30 AM

Shakeup: More Reader Reactions: "We'll have to wait and see"
That feedback form is getting a workout tonight. Dee writes in with a good point: "We'll have to wait and see...There were people at CNN though who had real issues with Kaplan--others adored him. What is unquestionable is that CNN has taken a hit in the ratings since he left." Kyle says it doesn't matter: "The fact is [that] CNN and MSNBC are getting their asses handed to them and not even Dennis Miller can save them." Not very optimistic, eh? I'm hoping this will come true: "Does this mean 'real news' could be in the future for MSNBC?...I'm getting tired of the whole "Access News" tabloid thing they have going over there." 11:42:44 PM

Shakeup: Reactions: "MSNBC will benefit from the energy of this move"
E-mails to CableNewser were mixed. "Kaplan is a wonderful producer...but a colossal asshole even by network-TV-news standards. I've seen him scream at young new hires until they're in tears," one anonymous message said. "But he has good instincts, aside from his well-documented Clinton-related ethical blind spot." Another e-mail: "MSNBC will benefit from the energy of this move. Zucker & Co. are making positive strides at MSNBC - and with Sorenson out, MSNBC will continue its path over the top of CNN." The comments at Free Republic weren't surprising: "Reminiscent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic?," one person asked. "It's about time," a comment at LostRemote says. "What were they waiting for? And why now?" 11:17:11 PM

Exclusive: Inside the Press Gaggle
The tensions between the White House press corps and press secretary Scott McClellan came to a head Friday morning, in the off-camera press gaggle, a source tells CableNewser. At the end of the briefing (one dominated by questions of thirty years ago), FOX News correspondent James Rosen leaned over to McClellan. "Scott, you did not do a good job for your boss today," Rosen remarked. An observer couldn't remember a similar statement spoken recently... 7:24:00 PM

Shakeup: Instant Reaction to the Sorenson/Kaplan Rumor
An MSN group comment: "His creds are there and this could potentially mean MSNBC caring more about real news and less about tabloid [fodder]." A TVSpy poster disagrees: "Can you say Tailwind?...He tried to make CNN into ABC and lost a lot of viewers in the process." 7:10:11 PM

Shakeup: Rick Kaplan Biography: CBS to ABC to CNN...
Rick Kaplan was the president of CNN/US from 1997 to 2000. He was fired -- that's his word -- "a victim at least in part of depressed ratings," Howard Kurtz said in '00. He lectured at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2001. He re-joined ABC in 2003 to oversee coverage of the war in Iraq. He got his start at CBS, helping produce the Evening News. In 1979, he joined ABC News, acting as executive producer for Nightline, World News Tonight, and other programs. He has won 34 Emmy awards, three duPont awards, and two George Polk awards. Google him for complaints about his relationship with the Clinton White House... 6:28:46 PM

Shakeup: Rick Kaplan to Succeed Erik Sorenson at MSNBC
Quoting FTVLive: "Insiders tell FTVLive.com that Kaplan will take over MSNBC, replacing now MSNBC boss Eric Sorenson. Sources say that Kaplan the former President of CNN (1997-2000) will take over the struggling cable network in the coming days and that it could be as soon as this week." Requests for comment have gone unanswered so far... 6:17:31 PM

FLASH: FTV Reports MSNBC's Sorenson Out; Kaplan to take over 6:06:50 PM

The Dean Drop-out Drumbeat Grows Louder and Louder...
Shep Smith introed Studio B: "If there was any doubt prior to today that the wheels are falling off the Dean campaign, [that] may have vanished today." "Can't get much worse than this if you're Howard Dean," Carl Cameron said on FOX. "Will he, or won't he?," the announcer asked on CNN; "To stay or not to stay?," the Inside Politics newsletter asked; "Is he Is or Is he Isn't?," the Countdown newsletter asked somewhat strangely... 3:35:29 PM

Bruce Morton Bemoans Celebrity Political Culture
CNN re-aired a Bruce Morton 'Late Edition' piece bemoaning "celebrity politics." "The coverage of candidate and celebrity has become one and the same in the media," Miles O'Brien introed. Quoting the package: "And what about those voters who actually want to hear about the issues? They're admirable, quaint, of course. But, you know, if that interferes with the celebrity stuff, with the Martha verdict, with jury selection in Michael's trial, with Kobe's next court appearance, if that interferes with the real ratings builders, we newsies may not even tell you who won the November election." "Say it ain't so, Bruce," O'Brien responded. Transcript (last segment). 3:09:19 PM

Looks Like a Boring News Week Ahead
CNN's weekly planner for affiliates is particularly dull this week. Is it always this slow in February? CNN hasn't sent a breaking news alert in six days. Here's the planner... 12:20:27 PM

Quote of the day
A scary thought from David Shaw in the LA Times: Bushites don't see journalists as representatives of or surrogates for the public. They don't even see them as conduits. They see them as, in effect, lobbyists, pleaders — bleaters — for special interests: their own. Their access. Their scoops. Their headlines. Their careers. Their egos. And that means the policymakers in the Bush administration have no obligation to talk to them." 12:19:13 PM

Feeding the Beast: Critics Chime In
> WashPost: "Ellerbee's thoughtful and vigorous report shows how far short of such goals 24-hour news has fallen -- and how it may have created more problems than it has solved."
> Chicago Tribune: "In this vivid examination of the impact of Ted Turner's CNN and its imitators, Linda Ellerbee makes room not just for criticism but also for affection, humor and, especially, understanding."
> Miami Herald: "No other form of journalism can match the immediacy and impact of the 24-hour news channels, and no other form can be as staggeringly dumb."
> NYPost: "It's a riveting, 90-minute program about how 24-hour news channels have shortened our attention spans." 8:59:39 AM

Feeding the Beast: Cable News Documentary Premieres Tonight
David Bauder previews "Feeding the Beast," a 90-minute documentary on the "24-hour news revolution" airing on Trio Monday at 9pm. Howard Dean's scream and Janet Jackson's breast were added to the doc last-minute, producer Linda Ellerbee says. (That's an interesting anecdote about what's important to the cablers, eh?) Strangely enough, FOX was the only channel not to cooperate with the show. Here's the AP story.
Also: Hollywood Reporter review | Show schedule | Press release 12:09:56 AM

Feeding the Beast: Streaming Video Excerpts
Trio's web site offers a wealth of streaming video from Feeding the Beast. They stream the show open, and ten minutes of interview excerpts. Jon Stewart's comments are great. It's all accessible right here. 12:09:30 AM

Feeding the Beast: Quotes from the Documentary
Some choice quotes from "Feeding the Beast," pulled from the AP:
> Linda Ellerbee: "Many of us thought the global would become local with the advent of 24-hour news. Instead, it's the other way around."
> Dennis Miller: "Just think of 24-hour news cycles as a long date."
> Jon Stewart: "In the old model of news, they would wait until something happened and then they would break in. But when you're on all the time, you have to create news. Which they do."
> Dan Rather: "...We're talking about all 24-hour so-called quote news -- I insist on putting quotes because sometimes it's just all blather, all the time, it's not all news..."
12:09:05 AM

A Viewer Explains "The Choice Facing CNN"
A great comment at TVSpy examines the choice facing CNN: "Long, long ago...CNN used to be a dry-as-dust reading of the news, minus the bells and whistles. Great writing and brief packages that gave the news depth and clarity. It used to be enough, and there's still a market for it, but not in the volume that's going to keep Roger Ailes up nights. That's the choice facing CNN - are they content to do what they do best, and have the cajones to live with the shitty numbers, or are they going to play a perpetual game of catch-up with Fox, endlessly demeaning themselves, as well as journalism itself, in the process?" 11:44:47 PM

Debate: What's The Lead?
An interesting contrast in web site headlines tonight. MSNBC.com played it straight at 8pm: "Democratic contenders debate in Wisconsin." CNN focused on the leader: "Kerry looks ahead to Wisconsin." And FOXNews.com forgot about Feb. 26: "Dems Face Off in What May Be Last Debate," they said. By 9pm, the story had changed a bit. "Kerry 'ready' for Bush," CNN.com said. MSNBC.com's banner read "Showdown"... 8:53:55 PM

A Presidential Night on MSNBC
MSNBC touted the debate's timing, "2 days before the make-or-break Wisconsin primary." During the pre-game, Joe Scarborough asked: "Will Wisconsin be Howard Dean's last stand?...Will John Edwards try to save his fading campaign?" Pat Buchanan said that "Kerry's the only man who can stop this coronation right now." Joe asked Dean strategist Steve McMann if this was Howard's last hurrah. "He's going to make that decision -- not the media, not the polls, not the pundits," McMann said... 8:51:54 PM

Picture of the Day
What a cool debate photo. Kerry's dominance speaks for itself:

Getty Images 8:46:18 PM

Quote of the day
On Reliable Sources this morning, Andrew Sullivan commented on the Kerry rumors: "I don't know anybody in Washington that isn't aware of this story. So you get into this excruciating dilemma: How do you talk about it? Should you talk about it? I've talked about it from a -- removed, talking about the story as a press story, which is what we're doing now, without mentioning the details of it. But I have to say, I am deeply conflicted about it...There comes a point at which the media has to acknowledge people are talking." Transcript... 4:51:12 PM

A Prettier Package
Cleaned up the site layout. Hope it looks brighter. The fonts should be more consistent now. 4:28:55 PM

Media's Gatekeeper Role "Wiped Out" In "Brave New World" --Greenfield
The Cox News Service runs a story referring to the Kerry rumors. "Fox News, CNN and Headline News have played the Imus clip, which was simulcast on MSNBC," they say. A Jeff Greenfield quote: "In this brave new world of instant communications, literally tens of millions of people will know about the story no matter what the networks and top-tier newspapers do," Greenfield said. "The press loves to talk about its gatekeeper function, separating fact from rumor from falsehood, but the truth is this role of the media has been effectively wiped out." Good article... 1:52:29 PM

Another MSNBC Reagan Lovefest Premieres Tonight
MSNBC is FOX-y again this weekend, with a second Reagan documentary premiering tonight. "Love Story: The Reagan Letters" will air at 10pm. "This Valentine's weekend, MSNBC presents a moving portrait of the unshakeable bond between Ronald and Nancy Reagan." Cute. Katie Couric hosting -- kudos to whoever made that happen. Now do it on a daily basis. 1:50:11 PM

Check Out The Week in Pictures
A particularly memorable set of photos at MSNBC.com's Week in Pictures this weekend. "Looting in Haiti, bird flu in Indonesia and dogs on display in New York," the tease text says... 1:04:35 PM

The Wisconsin Debate: Then There Were 5. Or 3. 2? 1?
MSNBC will simulcast a Democratic candidates debate this evening. Chris Matthews apparently has the night off; Joe Scarborough will host a half-hour pre-game at 6pm. The main event runs from 6:30 to 8, then Joe is back for an hour with the post-game. So in other words, MSNBC will spend as much time analyzing the debate as they will spend actually airing the debate. The event has a nice web site, BTW. In the Journal-Sentinel, Tim Cuprisin examines what to look for during the 90 minutes... 3:00:06 AM