He’s lived for four decades off the Watergate story, so we shouldn’t be too shocked that the Washington Post veteran might be a little more inclined than others to see a little bit of Nixon in every scandal involving a conservative that comes down the pike.
You can read Carl Bernstein’s take on “Murdoch’s Watergate” in the latest Newsweek. The comparison strikes this observer as a bit strained, especially when Bernstein alludes to “unconstitutional conduct.” Unconstitutional? Which constitution? The unwritten British constitution? Does it say something about sleazy business behavior?
Oh, well. That’s not the real reason for this blog entry. Tucked within Bernstein’s gleeful account of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s recent travails is this bit of fair, balanced reporting:
Then came the unfair and imbalanced politicized “news” of the Fox News Channel—showing (again) Murdoch’s genius at building an empire on the basis of an ever-descending lowest journalistic denominator. It, too, rests on a foundation that has little or nothing to do with the best traditions and values of real reporting and responsible journalism: the best obtainable version of the truth. In place of this journalistic ideal, the enduring Murdoch ethic substitutes gossip, sensationalism, and manufactured controversy.
For a better take on Fox News’ fairness and balance — in comparison with its competitors — you might want to revisit an earlier Locker Room discussion.
