Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Miles O’Brien slam CNN as the ‘Wal-Mart of journalism’

[napkinz]

Media Matters for America

May 19, 2014

In a discussion with former CNN science journalist Miles O’Brien, Neil deGrasse Tyson criticized CNN for presenting a false balance when it comes to climate change:

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/19/neil-degrasse-tyson-and-miles-obrien-slam-cnn-as-the-wal-mart-of-journalism/

https://www.facebook.com/Mediamatters/photos/a.10150313151781167.336053.26595441166/10152086138571167/?type=1&theater

[JI7]

1. Mile's O'brien was rehired by CNN to report on the missing plane

was he fired again or his contract ended or are these comments from the first time he was fired.

or is he still working for them and criticizing at the same time ?

[napkinz]

2. the article says "former CNN science journalist Miles O’Brien"

On the latest episode of his StarTalk Radio Show, Neil DeGrasse Tyson spoke to former CNN science journalist Miles O’Brien about the failures of modern news reporting — particularly at CNN.

As the interview began, O’Brien joked that CNN fired the unit because they were ignorant of celebrity gossip. “After all, what do we know about the Kardashians?”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/19/neil-degrasse-tyson-and-miles-obrien-slam-cnn-as-the-wal-mart-of-journalism/

[JI7]

3. ok, O'brien is referring to the entire science dept they got rid of

some years back.

but he currently has some contract with them to be a commentator on the missing plane story.

[gvstn]

5. Yes

I think he was the guy that covered all the space shuttle launches and that type of thing. He would explain some of the technical aspects of the launches and give some background of whatever program/project he was covering.

I loved this line the first time I read it,

As the interview began, O’Brien joked that CNN fired the unit (science journalism) because they were ignorant of celebrity gossip. “After all, what do we know about the Kardashians?”

It is so sadly true and Zucker (head of CNN) isn't embarrassed, he is actively moving away from actual news coverage and proud of it. I hope when Ted Turner pre-plans his funeral arrangements he specifies that he be strapped into his coffin real tight because otherwise there is going to be a whole lot of spinning going on.

[csziggy]

4. O'Brien fell one night while doing the plane coverage

According to what was said that night he broke his nose. Since it's not that long ago he lost his left arm (to compartment syndrome) I wonder if CNN's insurance is refusing to cover O'Brien's injury while on CNN property?

I've looked for info about the accident on the CNN property and found nothing but this message:
"Getting stitched. Deep cut and broken nose after a fall running. Tried to brace it w/absent arm. Photo: @SSTobias pic.twitter.com/3LwrdhsDOg"
https://twitter.com/milesobrien/status/452956971248128000/photo/1

[Jamaal510]

6. That's giving

CNN a little bit too much credit IMO. At least Wal-Mart (despite its reputation of underpaying its employees) is a highly successful business, and offers fairly low prices and a place where a person can buy a wide variety of merchandise under one roof. However, CNN has the lowest ratings out of any major news network, and they're notorious for false equivalence regarding the way they present much of their stories (including the two sides of the climate change debate). On the rare occasions that I do watch that channel, I feel like part of my brain cells have been zapped.

[napkinz]

8. I'll NEVER forget this ...

[Fred Sanders]

7. Jeff Zucker has taken a tarnished news organization and then stomped on its twitching corpse,

leaving behind a gory mess of coverage of plane crashes and Poop Ships, news beloved by the geriatric and stupid crowd, good for a profitable slice of the old and stupid demo.

In the pauses they can parrot Fox for their political "news" on the cheap.

CNN now serves as the syringe to inject propaganda poison into the mainstream, you know it.

[spanone]

9. that is our media in a nutshell.

[woo me with science]

10. K&R

[winter is coming]

11. What does that make Fox? Big Lots?? n/t

[napkinz]

12. kick

nt