MSNBC's Answer To "Fair And Balanced": "Lean Forward"

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

The real question is, does anyone really care what MSNBC calls itself?

Some people must.... or this discussion would not be taking place.

I guess the parallel question is: Does anybody care that Fox calls itself "Fair and Balanced"?

In both cases I guess the more important question that what they call themselves, is the question: "What do they do?"

Are they objective or are they pursuing an agenda? My view is that they both have an agenda other than pure journalism. In each case: Do the viewers that agree with the "lean" of the channel feels like the agenda is being delivered with integrity. By that I mean:

When a Conservative views Fox News do they come away grumbling that Fox gives us a bad name or do they come away saying "Thank goodness for Fox."

When a Progressive views MSNBC do they come away grumbling that MSNBC give us a bad name or do they come away saying "Thank goodness for MSNBC."

In a discussion where we agree that both have an agenda, is one better than the other at sticking to the agenda; is one better than the other in laying the agenda out with accuracy?

 

[cyberdad]

Long live both Fox and MSNBC! So long as each clearly labels its product and refrains from passing off "agenda" (to which they're each perfectly entitled) as "fact" or "news".

 

[gr8oldies]

The agenda is making cash. Anyone could have figured out that there was a market for news with a conservative bent that would appeal to those who had always felt that the existing news media was biased to the left. Fox became the alternative; MSNBC is now trying to be the alternative to the alternative.

 

[imhomerjay]

As if "fair and balanced" is truthfully labaled?

 

[flytrap]

the phrase "forward thinking" is a common buzzword among liberal and "progressive" blogger and journalists. The phrase pops up everywhere from time to time. what these journalists are trying to get across is that they (the enlightened ones) are thinking forward, because they are the smartest people in the room, but the conservatives are "backwards thinking", which means they all want to go back to the ignorant and "backward ways" of moms apple pie, leave it to beaver and going to church. My guess is that MSNBC too "forward thinking" and combined it with "leaning to the left". anyway, don't look for MSNBC to topple Fox News or even CNN in the forseeable future.

 

[LKellerIII]

the phrase "forward thinking" is a common buzzword among liberal and "progressive" blogger and journalists. The phrase pops up everywhere from time to time. what these journalists are trying to get across is that they (the enlightened ones) are thinking forward, because they are the smartest people in the room, but the conservatives are "backwards thinking", which means they all want to go back to the ignorant and "backward ways" of moms apple pie, leave it to beaver and going to church. My guess is that MSNBC too "forward thinking" and combined it with "leaning to the left". anyway, don't look for MSNBC to topple Fox News or even CNN in the forseeable future.

My father was a liberal, and liked to call conservatives "reactionaries" - meaning that aside from not being forward thinking, they were always reacting negatively to...well...forward thinking policies.

So in the time of Obama, you could definitely say that Fox News, and conservatives in general are reactionary. But if you take the word "reactionary" literally - it would also apply to liberals during Republican administrations. Most liberals were "reactionary" during the Bush Administration.

Basically, both political sides use words and labels to put their own viewpoint in the best light, and cast their opponents in the worst light. No surprise there, I guess

 

[BlueWanderer]

As if "fair and balanced" is truthfully labeled?

That's another slogan I have an issue with. Fox News seem to not be using that slogan as much and instead uses "We Report, You Decide". That's a much better slogan to use if not a bit generic. However, my local Fox affiliate uses "Fair, Balanced, Local" for their 9 o'clock newscast.

So in the time of Obama, you could definitely say that Fox News, and conservatives in general are reactionary. But if you take the word "reactionary" literally - it would also apply to liberals during Republican administrations. Most liberals were "reactionary" during the Bush Administration.

Basically, both political sides use words and labels to put their own viewpoint in the best light, and cast their opponents in the worst light. No surprise there, I guess

Definitely agree! It's interesting to note how everything has flipped just from a few years ago.

For example: 2010-Fox News going after the Democrats on the economy. 2006-MSNBC going after the Republicans on the Iraq war.

 

[JeeperOne]

MSNBC...The cable news network will be pushing the new slogan, "Lean Forward."

They goofed. Should have been "Lean Leftward."

Fox News goofed MANY MOONS ago as their slogan should be something like Turn Right (I'm sure others can think of some better ones).

Cheers

 

[JeeperOne]

But if you lean forward too much you fall out of your chair.

Seriously though, this slogan is stupid. Call it "the place for liberals" and be done with it.

Then Fox News should call itself Conservative Talk TV because the only time which Fox News is ever "Fair & Balanced" is during Fox News Live & Fox Report since they are simple newscasts.

JMO.....

Cheers

 

[azumanga]

But if you lean forward too much you fall out of your chair.

Personally, I was thinking of a subway line -- if you "lean forward" too much at the yellow line (or equivalent), you could end up falling (or being pushed) onto the rails.