NPR = forum for Glenn Beck

[FlaDem83]

So NPR did a story on the "furor" over ACORN this morning. Apparently playing not one but two clips of Glenn Beck, in all his conspiratorial and histrionic glory, was necessary to do this story. Really? Really? Are his rants and ravings really necessary? Perhaps, since he has had a vendetta against ACORN these past few months but wow. That was the last thing I expected to hear on NPR and the absolute last thing I wanted to hear at 8:15 in the morning on my drive to work. Just, wow.

[islandmkl]

1. yeah...they played him two different times...with a 'slight' disclaimer about some of his claims...

maybe not being 'substantiated'...if you can call a quick comment a 'disclaimer'...nice balance by NPR...i guess they couldn't spend any time with any factual refutation...

[RT Atlanta]

2. Agreed - why lend Beck any legitimacy?

That piece really surprised me too; particulary the continued reference to the 'story' being all over cable stations. Now, I watch little teevee any more, but it would surprise me if the 'story' had much press beyond Fox "News."

The piece had ACORNs president responding from a defensive position the whole time.

[madinmaryland]

3. I couldn't listen to that. I turned the radio down while they let Lonesome Road

spout his nonsense.

[Buzz Clik]

4. Is DU a forum for Glenn Beck? Beck's bullshit is posted at DU hourly.

In the past 48 hours, Glenn Beck has been the subject of the opening post of 116 threads. He's been mentioned in 254 threads in that same 48 hours. We here at DU are obsessed with Glenn Beck. I'm surprised that it bothers you that NPR, too, finds awesomeness in his insanity.

From my perspective, if we want the rightwing point of view, Beck is the single person I'd want to represent them. Even in a case such as this -- where ACORN appears to be on the brink of implosion -- who better to be the voice of the right than a completely unhinged lunatic like Beck?

[gatorboy]

5. +1

[meegbear]

6. +1

[rurallib]

8. I am guessing this is a thread on NPR's vaunted left wing leanings

which, much like decent health care are a but memories of a long lost past.

[TreasonousBastard]

13. Not only for Beck, but to trash NPR and any other media that...

has the unmitigated gall to say anything we don't agree with 100%.

[KharmaTrain]

7. Bright Shiny Toy Of The Week

Last week it was Obama "indoctrinating children" and Van Jones, then baggerstock. It's the ongoing game on the hate media to manufacture controversies and outrage to get attention...to attempt to remain "relevant". It's an old drill now...those who make the most noise get attention. Some of it in amusement, others in complicity. This week it's an old target, ACORN...poutrage galore that has little bearing on complex issues but fit nicely into the bite-size, short attention span world of the corporate media (that includes NPR). I really don't see a lot of the coverage outside of the antics of the right as being condoned by the corporate media these days...they're viewed more like trainwrecks and amusement. Remember, these people live for the bloodsport and Dreck and his ilk are very good at putting out a lot of blood.

[FSogol]

9. My letter to NPR:

It has been a bad week for listeners of NPR's morning edition.

On Monday, you started the week by not running an obituary for poet, writer, and punk musician, Jim Carroll who died of a heart attack at age 60. He was best known for his book, "The Basketball Diaries" and for the punk album, "Catholic Boy."

On Thursday you ran a confusing story about the anti-poverty group, Acorn using insane Fox News propagandist, Glen Beck as a source. I understand less about the Acorn story after listening to your segment and if NPR insists on airing the views of the modern day Father Coughlin, I see no reason to tune into NPR.

Maybe the obituary you run should be for journalism? Airing the nonsensical views of the lunatic fringe is not balanced reporting.

[DCKit]

10. Ouch, that's going to leave a mark. n/t

[aikoaiko]

15. Beck wasn't a source, he was used an example.

And they said his smear to link the President with ACORN was not based on any evidence.

[jma10131]

11. I wonder.......

Do you think Lonesome Roads Beck is a polygamist? I'm curious!

[RoccoR5955]

12. NPR = National Petroleum Radio

As often said by investigative journalist, Greg Palast
http://www.gregpalast.com

[aikoaiko]

14. They cited him as an example of right wing cable punditry spouting about this issue - which he is

They even said "there is no evidence that this is the case" following Beck's claims that the President is working closely with ACORN.

Its appropriate to sample Beck because he is a part of this story.