Thank You Dan Rather

Thank you Dan Rather. It's balls to the wall time, and as a fellow Texan, you sure came through.

As an investigative journalist who worked as both a reporter and anchor for the San Francisco Bay Area's highest rated newscast for 22 years, I can only say what happened to you nationally was also happening locally. You were told to conform to a Republican agenda or shut up. When you refused to march in step, you got Bush-whacked.

I read your brief and I know the drill. The erosion was slow and many of us barely noticed the small chiseling away of who and what we once were. Anchors and reporters depend on high ratings. If ratings fall in television, people get fired. In the months following 9/11, the President's approval rating was 86 percent, and that's when many in commercial journalism lost their way. To disagree or even ask a disagreeable question regarding the President and his decisions was interpreted as disloyal by many media corporations.

But now we have learned. Get the trashcan ready to catch the chips, because the chisel is swinging back the other way and we as journalists are about to regain our voices and America's trust. Dan - the Man - as we call him in Texas is reminding the media conglomerates how it is supposed to work. News and those who report it are not supposed to be for sale. Dan remembers, and he's about to explain it to us on a national scale, but first some explanations from my field of vision as to how we got here.

On January 2003, President Bush delivered his State of the Union address. Osama bin Laden turned into Saddam Hussein, and Afghanistan turned into Iraq. The press knew this was a bait and switch, but fearing reporters and anchors might appear unpatriotic, the corporate media made it clear that even if George W. Bush played twister in the nude while a few sheets to the wind instead of going to constitutional law classes at Yale, we were not allowed to talk about it.

Viacom and CBS, according to Dan, wanted to curry favor with the White House. There are very few media conglomerates that didn't. Cox Broadcasting banned the Dixie Chicks from radio stations because their lead singer made a remark under her breath criticizing the president! Not wanting to appear unpatriotic, the town criers did not cry out. Many corporate media reporters became stenographers, not reporters on that State of the Union day. Those in television journalism, particularly those working for a Fox affiliate, were not allowed to ask questions that could be perceived as unpatriotic, and every question was seen as unpatriotic. Monarchs and dictators don't allow questions. They also destroy those who speak ill of them. "Scooter - Valerie." "Rove - Anyone." Blackwater was running around in the name of the United States shooting first and asking questions later like third world rebels, and back at home, Fox became the fastest growing network with fearless leaders who believed in not only reporting the news but spinning it as well.

Just seven years ago, I looked up from my desk and saw my image on the MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour as our staff of independent journalists was described as the best local news in the country. But war broke out and the Internet took off and all over the country local news ratings dropped as viewers turned to the national networks for news from the war fronts. Contrary to all logical thinking, local reporters looked at their retirement plans and their kids in college and promptly puckered their lips on the behinds of corporate media and smooched. If my kids were still in college I would not have the courage to write this now. In response to fewer viewers, local television panicked into a downward spiral and many a trusting viewer decided to go elsewhere. Corporate media was demanding reporters adapt to the point of our own extinction.

Morphed into propaganda machines - cheerleaders with pompoms - it was heartbreaking to watch the demise and media corporations always bass-akwards responses. With two wars on two fronts they decided to go "Local." Only local news. The war and the profound implications of it were relegated to 30 second stories buried deep into the newscast. (they don't need to know about that.--but there's a grass fire up the road!) If that's not manipulation, I don't know what is.

Here are some other sad results of this corporate bullying toward some of the best journalist in the country:

Anchors and reporters stopped asking why. The corporate media demanded nationalism without skepticism, believing ratings would fall further if reporters did their jobs.

Anchors and reporters starting taking their stories from satellite feeds coming directly to their desks and then standing in front of a chroma key delivering a story they did not collect and sometimes did not write. If viewers think every newscast looks the same that's why. It is.

Anchors and reporters allowed chroma key pictures of conflict areas to appear behind them giving viewers the false impression they were on the scene of the conflict instead of demanding to be sent there. Some could not even point out on the map behind them where the conflict was.

Anchors and reporters allowed management to hire entertainment reporters and producers. It's cheaper to entertain than to inform because an informed public makes wakes from slumber and makes noise.

Anchors and reporters began allowing precious hours meant for journalism to be filled with helicopter shots of the latest grassfire, traffic jam, or car chase, ala O.J.

Anchors and reporters allowed news directors and sales people to dictate their "look." Good journalism does not have a "look."

Anchors and reporters did not fight back when their investigative pieces were dropped. Managers feared losing advertising dollars and reporters acquiesced.

Anchors and reporters and producers agreed to story counts. Tell the story no matter how complicated in thirty seconds - throwing random and massive amounts of information at viewers without context.

Anchors and reporters started wearing American flags on their lapels. Some of whom never voted in any election.

Anchors and reporters began using genetically altered language: "War on Terrorism," without explaining that many people in the world think Americans are the terrorists.

Anchors and reporters started referring to the United States government as "We."

Anchors and reporters were handed press releases regarding corporate "mishaps" and began reading them verbatim. Like so: "Blank Oil Company had an explosion today; shelter in place, close the doors and windows, and don't go outside. However, the 'You've Got To Be Kidding Me Oil Company' says everything is fine."

Anchors and reporters agreed to report news that was already reported in newspapers and radio. Doing their own stories or advancing others creates controversy and potential lawsuits, betraying the sacred oath of corporate cronyism.

Anchors and reporters agreed to be physically altered in photographs, and airbrushed with make-up like playboy bunnies, as the media corporations ignored the news and invested in High Definition - hoping a grassfire on HD might look like news.

Anchors and reporters started advertising. "If you liked that story there will be more at six." "If you want to get more information go to www. you're_an_idiot.com. Makes you just want to scream: I'm here now; tell me now!

Anchors and reporters allowed producers to lead with Annie Nicole Smith instead of the "Scooter" Libby trial - making it clear that all sense of proportion and good judgment had been lost.

Corporations in this country are always a reflection of those in the White House. This White House is the Wild West, and corporations, even those who are charged with helping the public gain knowledge, are mining for gold. But today, when we had almost given up, Dan put his holster on.

Comments

[LindaJay]

Leslie, thanks for confirming what many of us already suspected - that our "free" press is morphing into Orwell's Ministry of Truth. Of all the abuses and disturbing events of the past 7 years, to me this is one of the most ominous. We simply cannot function as a democratic society without a free press that actually reports what is happening. So much of this nightmare would not have happened if the press had been doing their job. Kudos to you for reporting it, and my hopes that Dan Rather's lawsuit will actually get reported and bring change.

[terrorfied]

First: Results that come about when someone is "Bush-whacked". There was something that was never mentioned and it is the main fallout that I have felt and seen personally. When someone is Bush-wacked someone must come in and take their place. This new reporter or newsperson then does something extremely horrible.....they then begin to cover-up, protect, deny, enable, harbor, and ignore....ALL crimes and criminality committed by authorities on EVERY level. They are usually Christian reporters that have the blessing of our Christian presidency. Especially in regards to Rupert Murdoch. Lastly: Dan Rather is NO hero. Walter Cronkite brought Mr. Rather on because of the way he lied to the American people following the Kennedy Assassination. Sorry Dan.....though because of the 2003 Monsanto FOX News ruling in Tampa against Acker and Wilson........you have absolutely ZERO legs to stand on with regards to being a reporter, reader, journalist having any case against a media boss. NONE. You can be fired at any time for any story for any reason. Your lawsuit is a farce and I would counter-sue within days to let you know about this terrible ruling that took place in 2003. That was the day that Murdoch got his license to lie, cheat, and steal on public airways from the Bush administration legally.

[thejoyof]

AMEN. Well said...

[SimplySimon]

As an "amateur" producer of Emmy winning news specials and the original "Football Follies", I have lived in the belly of the ball-less beast known as local and national news. We have a saying in the country that perfectly describes corporate owned news--shit flows downhill. I watched Peter Jennings dumb down specials that could have made a difference, all that money and production skill to turn out a "fair and balanced" story that was neither fair nor balanced. What an incredible waste. Like Iraq.

I have witnessed and agree with your assessment of the current climate--but wasn't it always so in Nazi Germany or even in Queen Elizabeth I's court? This ass kissing comes with the human fear of "from where cometh my next meal", especially when a family is attached at your hip. It is time for all good journalists to come to the aid of the American Party as you and Dan have courageously done. Thank you for speaking out on "our" behalf. As to what good it will do...

Maybe news should be owned by the people and not the oligarchy.

Simply, Simon

[lapdogs]

As a refresher course, lets remember how the "News", err, "Propaganda Media" talked during "Shock and Awe" and when Bush made that stunt landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln off the coast of California.

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2842

Gee, how are these same people talking now?

[PatA]

This has nothing to do with Dan Rather, but a lot to do with Tom Brokaw's integrity. I had a B&B in New Mexico when the hanta virus stories broke. Tom Brokaw went on the evening news and announced, "there is a deadly virus outbreak in the southwest, if you're planning a trip there, don't go"......by noon the next day all of my reservations east of the Mississippi had been cancelled.

The virus was limited to one case on the Navajo Reservation and later broke out in Louisiana and other states.

In one fell swoop, Brokaw robbed the travel industry in the Southwest of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So much for the integrity of Tom Brokaw.

[layla08]

Amen.

[ginnypoo]

This President has signed away our borders, started 2 illegal wars, taken away our civil rights, pardoned his buddies, allowed Blackwater to run amok in Iraq. He doesn't care about us...it is amazing that more people aren't outraged. Why aren't commities being formed, investigations starting, charges being brought? Aren't you looking at the war and wondering what has been real, and what did Blackwater create? Are you asking how much the administration knew about? Who's in charge? What the heck is going on? We are Americans...how can we even be involved in this stuff? I am amazed and embarassed. How can so many things just be ignored......too much of our 'free press' is owned by just a handful of men. If the press was investigating with the same effort they persue Paris Hilton then Bush and Co. would be indicted by now.
The only way our country can continue to be a free and respected member of the world is if OUR PRESS IS FREE. Free of commercial standards of success. The news shouldn't be expected to make a profit. It should be part of the community service TV stations give back in exchange for their liscense. Their commercial divisions should be required to pay for the news, not the other way around. News reporters should not be TV stars. Celebrity gossip IS NOT NEWS, stop pretending it is.
I stand and applaud The Huff for everything it does to ensure all the news is reported. You give a stage to the voices we need so much right now.Leslie, my hat is off for your words of wisdom. Thank you Dan Rather for speaking the truth. Hope your brothers and sisters in journalism find the courage to do the same. I give you a standing ovation and respect you for your attempt at turning us in the right direction.

[Marlyn]

"The news shouldn't be expected to make a profit."

Get the profit out of NEWS.
Get the profit out of HEALTH CARE.
Get the profit out of ...

[seeblue]

You said it, Marlyn. Get the profit out of EDUCATION (especially college loans).

[italianman004]

All I Have To Say Is "NEW WORLD ORDER" and The Next President Is Already Chosen by the top of the Pyramid.

When the government fears the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny." -Thomas Jefferson

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-John F. Kennedy

I hope it doesnt come to that.

[nickyboy1]

Yes,Italianman, New World Order it is.

[wjh123]

It is pitiful when a nation must rely on the comedy channel for anything resembling the news!

[Marlyn]

Thank heavens for the Comedy Channel, but how do they manage to "get away with it" ?

[Amberlass]

I like Dan Rather and I love his new show on HD Net. The shows that have been of particular interest were the ones of the paper used to make the inferior voting cards and caused the hanging chads in Florida, and the rest is history.

Unfortunately, the republicans have always had it in for Dan, since the days of Watergate when they broke into his home. When he said "courage" at the end of his newscast, he was sincere. I hope he wins his case against that slimey CBS Network.

[wjh123]

Just watch Jon Stewart.......

[paige]

I'm not sure what you mean wjh but Jon Stewart works for Viacom which owns CBS. I know they are funny but I don't watch them. I don't believe all of this is so funny. I understand we have to laugh at some things or we go crazy but some things are not to be laughed at. IMO.

[raker]

I'm glad someone besides HuffPost commentors finally said it. But what about poor Ted Koppel? This case of battered-anchor syndrome, going on the record to pity poor pathetic Dan and to defend his noble profession, not realizing his profession no longer exists and hasn't been noble since...ever.

[johndjr]

Until MSM spends as much time on the validity of the contents of the letter Dan had rather than what type of type writer, daisy wheel, curl at the top of the letter 't' etc, I will not trust them.
The spin masters started this thing by baiting the hook with the print, validity of the actual letter to take the interest from the content. The MSM took the bait, hook, line and sinker. They never looked into the validity of the contents.
Spin masters job was completed.

[neetsie37]

Donl. I couldn't agree with you more. It's too late for apologies, even from Dan Rather. He should have spoke the truth when he was being smeared and/or ignored by his fellow broadcasters. I personally would like to see the White House Press Corps refuse to show up for their daily "briefing" since they never get any answers anyway. Let Dana Perino talk to herself. But I do hope Dan wins his lawsuit. We'll take any crumbs we can get at this point.

[derik]

Leslie, if the motive of profit was someway or another taken out of the delivery of (journalistic) content, maybe there is hope. I think, the content (real) creators (you and others) are out there. As for me, I am a technologist that feels the need to give something back to society. Who knows, something like a non-profit IPTV makes sense. Obviously, I myself feed the profit mentality for my own bread and butter. ah, I wished I was able to write better. But, I think all this twisted reality bending has been going on forever (or at least from the time we have historical records).