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Eugene

(62,736 posts)
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 06:05 AM Aug 2022

Brian Stelter rebukes CNN on final show: 'It's not partisan to stand up to demagogues'

Source: The Guardian

Brian Stelter rebukes CNN on final show: ‘It’s not partisan to stand up to demagogues’

Host says, ‘It is not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue,’ after CNN cancels media show Reliable Sources

Ed Pilkington in New York
@edpilkington
Mon 22 Aug 2022 08.00 BST
Last modified on Mon 22 Aug 2022 08.01 BST

Brian Stelter, host of CNN’s media affairs show Reliable Sources which was cancelled last week after 30 years on air, used his final episode Sunday to make a pointed rebuke of the network’s new bosses and their intention to pursue a more “neutral voice” to its coverage.

“It is not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue,” Stelter said in his final monologue, which he stressed was unvetted by CNN management before he delivered it live. “It is not partisan to stand up to demagogues – it’s required, it’s patriotic.”

He added: “We must make sure we do not give a platform to those who are lying to our faces.”

CNN gave Stelter his marching orders last Wednesday, just four months after the network came under new leadership appointed by its owners, Warner Brothers Discovery. CNN head Chris Licht, who took over after the February departure of Jeff Zucker, has indicated that he wants to tone down the opinion quotient of its shows and “return” to an older, straighter and in his view less overtly leftwing style of reporting.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/aug/22/brian-stelter-cnn-cancels-show-reliable-sources

36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Brian Stelter rebukes CNN on final show: 'It's not partisan to stand up to demagogues' (Original Post) Eugene Aug 2022 OP
I liked his show. One of the few on CNN I watch Joinfortmill Aug 2022 #1
Corporate media is controlled and owned by RWers ..... Lovie777 Aug 2022 #2
Yup, you get it, gab13by13 Aug 2022 #4
Agree on the last point Cosmocat Aug 2022 #10
They want to showcase fewer progressive ideas or liberal viewpoints and normalize GOP B.S. Ligyron Aug 2022 #13
YEP Cosmocat Aug 2022 #34
The media is only as liberal as the conservative corporations that own it. -bumper sticker -nt CrispyQ Aug 2022 #24
This needs to be spread far and wide on the internets. Tommymac Aug 2022 #3
I'm Glad I Recorded That Episode WiVoter Aug 2022 #6
It's always about the money. mn9driver Aug 2022 #5
Please explain why MSNBC fired gab13by13 Aug 2022 #7
They fired them because the corporate bosses didn't like their message. vsrazdem Aug 2022 #29
An old post, but MSNBC hasn't changed in any way that counts: mn9driver Aug 2022 #30
I Liked Him and Reliable Sources WiVoter Aug 2022 #8
Some woman on a news channel just said Democratic candidates don't want President Biden to campaign pwb Aug 2022 #9
That is a right wing narrative, a right wing talking point. gab13by13 Aug 2022 #11
I saw that as an article in the Philly Inquirer and the source was a bullshit hit piece from WaPo BumRushDaShow Aug 2022 #33
He is right, and that has been the problem with the most of the current media, it abides by JohnSJ Aug 2022 #12
And yet it seems to me that the 'challenging' does indeed take place Scalded Nun Aug 2022 #16
It does seem that way. JohnSJ Aug 2022 #28
Block CNN and boycott their sponsors....... Stainless Aug 2022 #14
I could not agree more! Raster Aug 2022 #17
CNN is already a GOP talking points depot nowforever Aug 2022 #15
I agree, gab13by13 Aug 2022 #26
This is all very disturbing. nt BootinUp Aug 2022 #18
It's official. CNN has gone Fascist. amb123 Aug 2022 #19
Don't forget Warner Brothers Discovery is owned by AT&T of recent OAN fame Submariner Aug 2022 #20
this is why i dont watch tv news anymore. comcast priced me out of the market, AllaN01Bear Aug 2022 #21
MSNBC is not far behind gab13by13 Aug 2022 #22
It's not partisan to speak truth to power Glaisne Aug 2022 #23
+1 BootinUp Aug 2022 #25
The media will help re-elect Trump if he runs. CrispyQ Aug 2022 #27
I watched the last episode LetMyPeopleVote Aug 2022 #31
This is part of what Stelter is talking about Jarqui Aug 2022 #32
For example, letter to Trump's lawyer Jarqui Aug 2022 #35
CNN made a real BAD Decision... LetMyPeopleVote Sep 2022 #36

Lovie777

(15,133 posts)
2. Corporate media is controlled and owned by RWers .....
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 06:09 AM
Aug 2022

At this point in time, Democrats needs to invest in media outlets.

gab13by13

(25,300 posts)
4. Yup, you get it,
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 06:55 AM
Aug 2022

I have been preaching for years that CNN and MSNBC both push the right wing narratives. They may put a liberal slant to the narratives but they still talk about what the right wants talked about.

I have been down to watching Nicolle and Chris for some time now, oh I watch Mehdi Hasan. I do hit up Zerlina Maxwell, Stephanie Miller, and Thom Hartman when I am able.

Don't even bring up how it's about money, no the fuck it isn't. If it were about money then why did MSNBC fire Dylan Ratigan and Keith Olbermann? Sorry, my last statement wasn't directed at you.

Cosmocat

(15,021 posts)
10. Agree on the last point
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:13 AM
Aug 2022

People just default to it being "about $."

There is NO money, or more viewers, to be had by doing the both sides shit, they will lose some "left leaning" people while they will continue to be cast as a liberal outlet by right wing media and pols and won't pick up any "right leaning" people because they not full one 100% right wing babbling jackals.

People like this new president know this, they just BELIEVE the right wing bullshit ...

Ligyron

(7,904 posts)
13. They want to showcase fewer progressive ideas or liberal viewpoints and normalize GOP B.S.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:51 AM
Aug 2022

They want people to think their RW garbage is normal and how most people think making their numbers appear far more numerous than they actually are.

Tommymac

(7,334 posts)
3. This needs to be spread far and wide on the internets.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 06:45 AM
Aug 2022

CNN is not a 'neutral' voice, never has been. But cancelling shows like RS that highlighted Truth over Lies no matter the political stance of it's targets is plain old cynical manipulation by those in charge.

Except this time they have been caught and called out by their paid host. Bravo!

This just puts them one giant step closer to FOX, OAN etc., and everyone needs to know.

mn9driver

(4,586 posts)
5. It's always about the money.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 06:56 AM
Aug 2022

CNN’s owners want more of that tasty FoxNews audience. Losing our democracy is a small price to pay for increased profits.

gab13by13

(25,300 posts)
7. Please explain why MSNBC fired
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:06 AM
Aug 2022

Dylan Ratigan and Keith Olbermann? Fox News viewers will never watch anything but Fox.

WiVoter

(1,136 posts)
8. I Liked Him and Reliable Sources
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:08 AM
Aug 2022

I hope he finds (or creates) a new platform for his reporting. I think a good start would be an appearance on Michael Cohen's podcast, "Mea Culpa".

pwb

(12,204 posts)
9. Some woman on a news channel just said Democratic candidates don't want President Biden to campaign
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:10 AM
Aug 2022

for them? She didn't say who or present any facts, just said it as news. Another wealth owned station is pushing the same old border fake crisis. Yawn, Our Media is on the wrong side.

gab13by13

(25,300 posts)
11. That is a right wing narrative, a right wing talking point.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:20 AM
Aug 2022

Just like the bogus President Biden "popularity polls." Polls are done for propaganda purposes. How did that Kansas poll turn out that claimed the abortion ballot question would be close?

BumRushDaShow

(143,431 posts)
33. I saw that as an article in the Philly Inquirer and the source was a bullshit hit piece from WaPo
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 09:57 AM
Aug 2022

that they reprinted and like good little Pavlov-trained dogs, they picked up that ball and are running with it.

They can't get Biden on the "economy and inflation!!!!11!!!!!!111" or "high gas prices!!!1!!!!!!111" or "he didn't get any of his agenda done!!1!!!111!!!!", so now they are going to try to "2010 him" and keep purposely continuing to legitimize the RW fascist loons who haven't stopped attacking our system of government. They also don't realize that should those deplorables achieve their goals, the FIRST group they will literally eliminate is that very "press" who are carrying their water.

They don't get that the people they are ignoring are going to Roe Roe Roe their votes this Roevember.

No paywall link

As Biden turns toward midterms, he may not be the top surrogate

By Matt Viser
August 21, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EDT


Joe Biden on Thursday will effectively launch his midterm campaign efforts, attempting to capitalize on one of the best stretches of his presidency and beginning the hard task of persuading voters to keep Democrats in control of the House and the Senate. But he has also been in an uncomfortable position, as an anchor for many candidates. For Biden, who for decades has prided himself on being one of the most sought-after Democratic surrogates, it’s also an unfamiliar position. He’s being attacked more often in televised ads than Obama was at this point in 2010, or Trump was in 2018.

He goes largely unnamed on Democratic campaign websites and Twitter accounts. And candidates in key races in battleground states are either not asking him to come — or actively avoiding him when he does, according to a Washington Post survey of more than 60 candidates in the most competitive gubernatorial, U.S. Senate and congressional campaigns in the country. Few candidates said they wanted Biden to campaign for them in their state or district, with many not responding to the question at all. The Post also asked if candidates wanted Vice President Harris as a surrogate campaigner for the Biden administration and got the same set of unenthusiastic responses.

“No comment from the campaign at this time,” said a spokeswoman for Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.), who is a Republican target in a state that Biden won by more than 13 points. “We have not asked President Biden or VP Harris to campaign in Ohio and have no plans to do so,” said a spokeswoman for Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), who is the Democratic nominee in a tight U.S. Senate race. Pointing to a range of surrogates for Republican nominee J.D. Vance, the spokeswoman, Izzi Levy, added, “Tim has been very clear that he wants to be the face of this campaign, and that’s not changing anytime soon.”

Several Democratic candidates didn’t say they were opposed to Biden appearing with them in their states. But they weren’t exactly warmly embracing the idea, either. “Well, I mean, I welcome anybody to come to Arizona and let me, you know, show them around the state and, you know, the issues that we’re facing,” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said when asked if he wanted Biden to campaign with him. “So, yeah, I mean, it doesn’t, doesn’t matter who it is.”

(snip)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/08/21/biden-turns-toward-midterms-he-may-not-be-top-surrogate/


JohnSJ

(96,757 posts)
12. He is right, and that has been the problem with the most of the current media, it abides by
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 07:36 AM
Aug 2022

the Chuck Todd school of journalism, which is not to challenge an outright lie or misrepresentation, but let it go unchallenged as a balanced way to present it.



https://fair.org/home/inform-the-public-not-my-job-says-chuck-todd/


Scalded Nun

(1,334 posts)
16. And yet it seems to me that the 'challenging' does indeed take place
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:02 AM
Aug 2022

Whenever a Dem states facts or presents a thoughtful opinion the media is right there to challenge, blur, 'whatabout' or even outright attack.

The media is as co-opted and corrupted by corporations and the rich as is the GOP. Dems have 3 opponents in any election they are in...The GOP, The Rich and The Media. It is a testament to our philosophy and resolve that we are even where we are now.

Stainless

(719 posts)
14. Block CNN and boycott their sponsors.......
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:00 AM
Aug 2022

The Fascist bastard motherfucker Chris Licht can burn in Hell.

Raster

(20,999 posts)
17. I could not agree more!
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:06 AM
Aug 2022

So Licht had a near-death experience and decided to go Maga?

Dude should have died.

nowforever

(404 posts)
15. CNN is already a GOP talking points depot
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:01 AM
Aug 2022

There are no left leaning hosts on the network. All day the same talking points are regurgitated and always with a right wing spin. I guess they have forgotten how they were vilified daily by Trump and their reporters were threatened and targeted by right wing groups. This move further right will lose them viewers by the ton. Fake neutrality news...

gab13by13

(25,300 posts)
26. I agree,
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:28 AM
Aug 2022

but there is little difference if a cable news anchor puts a left wing spin, which would be the truth, on a right wing talking point, they are still talking about what the right wants talked about.

Cable news has morphed from talking about the theft and destruction of top secret documents to talking about whether the FBI "raid" was proper. So if MSNBC anchors are talking about the FBI search and are defending the FBI, the narrative about talking about the search is what the Magats want.

amb123

(1,597 posts)
19. It's official. CNN has gone Fascist.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:11 AM
Aug 2022

They were never that liberal in the first place, but now they've really gone over to the dark side.

"This is CPN. The Cable Propaganda Network."

Submariner

(12,701 posts)
20. Don't forget Warner Brothers Discovery is owned by AT&T of recent OAN fame
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:17 AM
Aug 2022

So CNN should start sounding like Newsmax and OAN soon.

gab13by13

(25,300 posts)
22. MSNBC is not far behind
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:21 AM
Aug 2022

The 2 major owners of COMCAST are Vanguard and BlackRock.

I often wonder about Rachel. I'm not saying she was forced out, but I bet there were a lot of threats and pressure put on her. It has to be a tough job being a truth teller on prime time when your owners are Magats. She never complained so I'm probably wrong, but I still wonder.

Glaisne

(543 posts)
23. It's not partisan to speak truth to power
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:21 AM
Aug 2022

It's not partisan to call out lies
It's not partisan to correct misinformation
It's not partisan to point out and explain the facts

What is partisan is to curry favor to one side who consistently lies, misinforms, and propagandize. What is partisan is to prioritize profits and shareholder wealth over actual journalism. It is a betrayal to the profession, to the public, to democracy and to the country.

CrispyQ

(38,445 posts)
27. The media will help re-elect Trump if he runs.
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 08:28 AM
Aug 2022

Their influence will give any right wing candidate a bigger, louder voice than the dem candidate.

Jarqui

(10,497 posts)
32. This is part of what Stelter is talking about
Mon Aug 22, 2022, 09:38 AM
Aug 2022


Weigh what that asshole had to say with CNN's timeline on the documents - that all they had to do was ask Trump.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/09/politics/doj-investigation-trump-documents-timeline/index.html

Here's a CNN February article
https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/09/politics/national-archives-justice-department-investigation-trump-white-house-documents/index.html
The National Archives has asked the Department of Justice to investigate former President Donald Trump's handling of White House records, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The source said the Archives is seeking a review of whether Trump violated the Presidential Records Act, which requires that all records created by presidents be turned over to the National Archives at the end of their administrations, and other possible violations, including the handling of classified information.


or this
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/12/politics/trump-documents-mar-a-lago/index.html

So this lying asshole maintains on CNN's recent broadcast that all they had to do was ask Trump for the documents while the CNN interviewer ignores CNN's own reporting proving Trump had been asked long ago.

something similar here

This dingbat maintains there was fraud in the election.
CNN did extensive reporting on the lack of fraud.
60 court cases and Secretaries of State (some Republican) in battleground states stood behind the vote
But this jerk is allowed CNN air time to spew the big lie.

Jarqui

(10,497 posts)
35. For example, letter to Trump's lawyer
Tue Aug 23, 2022, 05:41 AM
Aug 2022
https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/full-text-national-archives-letter-trump-classified-documents

It's too long to quote the whole letter here.
But it clearly asks Trump for the documents as a matter of National Security importance and calls out his delay tactics in letting the FBI see them.
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