The O'Reilly Factor

[Thomas Knierim]

I don't usually watch television, but at my gym they have TV sets installed at the treadmills, so I get a chance to watch the news every time I work out. Having recently watched Fox News, I discovered a program moderated by a journalist named Bill O'Reilly. Being optimistic at first, I thought this news show is perhaps an opportunity to get a glimpse into the U.S. media and the topics that America discusses. After watching a few episodes, however, I came to the conclusion that it's a complete waste of time. In fact, I found the program quite offensive. Not only does Bill O'Reilly constantly interrupt his conversation partners, but he literally shouts them down. I am not sure if he considers this a journalistic style, or if he simply lacks manners. The topics are mostly controversial, and O'Reilly invariably seems to represent the Republican / autocratic / conservative point of view. Topics, such as the Iraq war, Islamism, gay rights, European diplomatic relations are treated with great insensitivity bordering on agitation and hate mongering.

Is this representative for American television these days? If U.S. TV is now like Fox News, then the rest of the world ought to be worried. :knockout:

Are there any other more sophisticated talk shows (no... not Larry) and politics news?

Cheers, Thomas

[NeverMind]

THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART!

:D

[sonrisa]

Thomas, O'Reilly is a racist bigoted jerk. Unfortunately, his kind is more the norm on TV over here, which is why I never get my news from TV, I use the net for that. Or listen to Air America on the radio. Bill Moyers is a good TV journalist, but unfortunately, he's retiring.

ps Faux News ain't news, its a propaganda bs channel. If it were made of paper it wouldn't worth putting in the bottom of a birdcage.

[vicente]

Is this representative for American television these days? If U.S. TV is now like Fox News, then the rest of the world ought to be worried.

Absolutely,...since at least early 2001, Rightwing conservatives have dominated the American media-tion process. This is why no US media outlet questioned the illegal invasion of Iraq. The US has become a christian faith-based war-monger nation with an agenda to "democracize" the world in its religious image.

Personally, I'm a fan of an America that the Conservatives hate,...ie:

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that". - Martin Luther King, Jr.

:)

[sonrisa]

and a Happy MLK Day to you 2 Vicente! :)