by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright November 21, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

oing for the jugular, the New York Times lashed out at Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, for allegedly giving President Bush his two cents shortly after Sept. 11. Making a federal case, the Times believes that Mr. Ailes should refrain from giving gratuitous advice in his newly adopted profession. Before joining Fox, Ailes was a senior advisor to former President George H.W. Bush. According to Watergate-famed journalist Bob Woodward, Ailes advised Bush to hit terrorists hard following the massacre at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Ailes wasn't the only one counseling swift and effective retribution. Former Sec. of State Henry Kissinger urged another Pearl Harbor, keeping all options open—including nukes. Like other Americans, Ailes vented his own ideas, not brainwashing his news department to rubber-stamp his views. Speaking for himself on a purely nonpartisan matter, how did he betray his profession?

      Where were the critics when former Clinton hack George Stephanopolos completed his metamorphosis as a "journalist," inheriting ABC's Sunday morning news roundtable, "This Week?" Criticizing Ailes for Fox's slogan, "We Report, You Decide" sounds disingenuous considering the chutzpah of the NY Times' motto, "All the News That's Fit to Print." Reporting with a right wing bias pales in comparison to refusing to print stories for editorial reasons. When Ailes defied Wall Street and broadcast the controversial use of Botox in treating "strangled voices," the NY Times passed on the story. Deciding which stories are "fit to print" crosses a dangerous line of outright censorship. Hazarding opinions on the most devastating story in U.S. history doesn't violate journalistic ethics. Choosing specific photographs, selecting certain stories and, yes, posting like-minded op-eds raise far more eyebrows.

      Fox News' political leanings—like the country's—mirror prevailing popular trends. Roger Ailes read America's pulse and provided news reflecting current public opinion. If the NY Times lost touch, it's not because Mr. Ailes decided what news is "fit to print." Pulling a Hillary Clinton, Sen. Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) curiously blamed "right wing" talk shows for hyping the public. "What happens when Rush Limbaugh attacks those in public life is that people aren't satisfied with just to listen," said Daschle, implying that the audience displays violent propensities. Roger Ailes is the genius behind Fox News' highly successful programming. Whether it's conservative or liberal, Fox offers hard-hitting entertainment, resonating with today's audience. Daschle's diatribe and the NY Times' attack on Ailes reflect the Democratic National Committee's concern that talk shows exert a profound effect on voters. Radio and TV talk shows influence independents and crossovers, wreaking havoc on Democrats.

      Today's talk shows don't promote violence; they help audiences wade through cleverly concealed propaganda and hidden agendas. Unlike traditional journalism, talk shows give meaning to the news. Mainstream journalism takes orders from editorial boards who decide what gets reported or printed. Indicting Ailes for violating journalistic ethics is like blaming McDonald's for causing obesity. Ailes' personal opinions have nothing to do with how Fox News get leads, develop stories and ultimately create on-air shows. Limbaugh called Daschle's remarks "a well orchestrated strategy by the Democrats to counter the influence of the program." With millions of listeners, Limbaugh's show has a measurable effect on voter behavior. People tune-in not, as Daschle thinks, because they're coerced, but precisely because they share Limbaugh's views.

      Conservative Republicans have no monopoly over the airwaves, only, as Ailes points out, resonating with an audience hungry for common sense. "But the [Fox] news channel," according to the NY Times, "has Republican tilt and a conservative agenda," dishing out to Fox the same indictment leveled by Bernard Goldberg in his best selling book "Bias"—attesting to the left wing slant of mainstream media. TV or radio consumers seek the best quality entertainment, whether it's news or dramatic programming. If the NY Times loses market share, it's not because Fox conspires against print journalism. Instead of impeaching Ailes, upper management should take a careful inventory of their readers' needs. Unlike former House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.), Daschle should swallow hard, admit he's out-of-touch and step aside. Two more years of whining and mistakes won't turn things around.

      Driving the Party into a ditch, Democrats must take a searching inventory of its present leadership. Pointing fingers at talk radio or blaming Roger Ailes won't rewrite platforms, redirect issues or change personnel needed to stay competitive in 2004. Judging by current trends, radio and TV talk shows won't disappear anytime soon. As long as network TV and newspapers like the NY Times miscalculate audience needs, they can expect a further loss of market share. That bodes well for the GOP, expanding the tent before the next election. Daschle complains about the blurred distinction between politics and entertainment. In truth, Washington and Hollywood have a lot in common. Unfortunately for the Dems, they're not winning too many awards. Rather than slapping Roger Ailes, trashing talk radio and blasting conservatives, the NY Times and the DNC should follow success and tune-in to mainstream thinking. Writing nasty editorials or launching irrational attacks won't get it done.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's a consultant and expert in strategic communication. He's author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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