http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/archive.aspx Brent Bozell Weekly Columns http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 20091107073848.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091107073848.aspx When Microsoft backed out of sole sponsorship of a raunchy live special from the makers of "Family Guy," it showed that sponsors don't want to be held accountable for subsidizing raunchy content. They are the unsponsors. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:35:00 -0400 20091103055047.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091103055047.aspx The Republicans are in a "civil war," on a "disastrous turn toward extremism." But when Democrats embraced hard-core leftists like Ned Lamont, it was an "opportunity" and revenge of the "moderates." Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:50:00 -0400 20091103012440.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091103012440.aspx A new study shows CBS, NBC, and Fox (but not ABC) all green-lighted a significant increase in the incidents and degree of violence against women. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:21:00 -0400 20091028072612.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091028072612.aspx A Washington Post poll suggests a new low for Republicans, causing the media to once again champion moderates in the party. But polls show solid gains for conservatives since Obama took office. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:23:00 -0400 20091026102416.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091026102416.aspx Our culture has an increasingly sickening blur between reality and "reality" TV. People aspiring to "reality" stardom can be a very desperate group. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:21:00 -0400 20091020030117.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091020030117.aspx Rush Limbaugh was convicted of racism in a kangaroo court of "objective" media. The White House is waging war on Fox News. The alternative media is under attack, and the Left wants only "news" that favors President Obama. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0400 20091017014745.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091017014745.aspx MTV programmers target viewers 12 to 34 -- as if there's no difference in maturity level between 12 and 34. Case in point: a "True Life" documentary marathon in prime time on overtly sexual themes. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:30:00 -0400 20091013124455.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091013124455.aspx The media were shocked when Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. But why would the media be stunned, when the Norwegians are acting just like the media: praising Obama far beyond his actual job experience or accomplishments, and building a powerful myth of a global savior. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:39:00 -0400 20091009063127.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091009063127.aspx Like Roman Polanski, the entertainment world came to the defense of David Letterman when his habit of having sex with subordinates surfaced. Hailed as a comic mind for the ages, he was awarded a free pass for exploiting his female employees. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:25:00 -0400 20091006094903.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091006094903.aspx Conservative cheering and laughing over the losing Chicago bid for the Olympics wasn't hate for America. It was rejoicing for a come-uppance for the massive, media-enabled egomania of the Obamas. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:45:00 -0400 20091001123552.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20091001123552.aspx When film director Roman Polanski was taken into custody for his rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1977, morally bankrupt libertines in Hollywood and other artistic banana republics rushed to his defense. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:32:00 -0400 20090929104934.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090929104934.aspx Liberals suggest that conservative anger might lead to violence, but conservative protests are happy and lawful, while left-wing protests draw hundreds of arrests for violence and property destruction. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:34:00 -0400 20090925112323.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090925112323.aspx Nickelodeon is starting prime time with "Glenn Martin DDS," a sleazy cartoon. They're even boasting of how they're succeeding in keeping 2- to 11-year-olds glued to the set...for orgasm jokes and clowns burning to death. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:08:00 -0400 20090922103812.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090922103812.aspx While President Obama spread himself thin across the Sunday talk show lineup, ABC, CBS, CNN, and NBC all skipped some of the most urgent and newsworthy topics. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:32:00 -0400 20090918022713.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090918022713.aspx The fury of Serena Williams and Kanye West far outdid the two-word yell of Rep. Joe Wilson in rudeness. But entertainers are held to a lower standard. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:24:00 -0400 20090915060727.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090915060727.aspx The media treated the 9/12 rally as a menacing surge of white anger, meanness, and racism. It illustrates one nagging truth for media liberals: they really don't think conservatives should be allowed to protest. It's somehow like a copyright violation. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:53:00 -0400 20090912070134.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090912070134.aspx Shows like these routinely make you wonder why the cable companies can't offer parents the option to reject the sleaziest corners of cable TV. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:56:00 -0400 20090908103315.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090908103315.aspx Anyone who dares oppose Barack Obama is described by the media as crazy, or racist, or even hoping Obama is killed. NBC's anchor decried a "hyperpartisan era of vocal and instant outrage." Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:28:00 -0400 20090904104732.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090904104732.aspx Just when you would write off Hollywood, there are movies in the works that treat religion seriously -- and a serious religious conversion, too. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:44:00 -0400 20090901110321.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090901110321.aspx Four years after the hurricane, the networks are still trashing the federal government for failing people who still live in federal trailers. None of them can manage to wonder when these "victims" will be responsible in any way. The only "incompetence" is the government's. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:00:00 -0400 20090828023436.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090828023436.aspx Is the presidential-level treatment of Ted Kennedy's passing warranted? The amount of coverage isn't the problem; it's the quality of the reporting that bothers. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0400 20090825110008.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090825110008.aspx Bob Novak's death was noticed (briefly), but the networks all pitched him as conservative and controversial. CBS 60 Minutes creator Don Hewitt's death the next day was followed by a stream of intense praise, including comparing him to Alexander Graham Bell. Controversy? No one cared. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:55:00 -0400 20090825102550.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090825102550.aspx Singers and rappers put the crotch at the center of the radio conversation -- and are toasted by TV morning shows and even school administrators. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:21:00 -0400 20090818093054.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090818093054.aspx With his new book, "Secular Sabotage: How Liberals are Destroying Religion and Culture in America," Bill Donohue could be expected to be stricken from all manner of Christmas card lists -- except the people he skewers don't believe in Christmas. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:22:00 -0400 20090808080911.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090808080911.aspx Critics rave about an Iraq war movie, even though it carries none of the usual preachy anti-war politicking. Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:06:00 -0400 20090805010234.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090805010234.aspx A recent heart-rending story is notorious for how the "pro-choice" media sputter and struggle to deny the humanity of a baby. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:52:00 -0400 20090801065308.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090801065308.aspx The MTV summer series "16 and Pregnant" explored the very real-world consequences of the hook-up culture that MTV usually promotes. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:45:00 -0400 20090729015846.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090729015846.aspx The president's great access to the media -- based on the strategy that his charisma can overcome all objections to his policy nostrums -- isn't stopping his collapse. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:56:00 -0400 20090724045142.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090724045142.aspx I wasn't willing to give these slimy people my $9.50, or $1.50. By all accounts, "Bruno" is another shocking and disgusting attempt to dishonestly manipulate Americans into looking ignorant and bigoted. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:44:00 -0400 20090721083152.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090721083152.aspx So much for liberal compassion and civility: left-wing talk show hosts are unleashing the crudest ad hominem attacks at Rush Limbaugh. Where are the televised scowls at these outbursts of "hate radio"? Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:27:00 -0400 20090717041026.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090717041026.aspx CNBC tries to shore up their prime-time ratings with a sleazy documentary on the pornography industry. "It's as mainstream as Must-See TV," chirped anchor Melissa Lee. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:52:00 -0400 20090714111741.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090714111741.aspx Bill Moyers shared the story of former insurance company spokesman-turned-socialist Wendell Potter -- but covered up his new radical-left employer, and just how much Moyers helped that employer. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:14:00 -0400 20090711064657.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090711064657.aspx The coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service capped days of media celebration that avoided his disturbing behavior toward children. The Washington Post described it as "the completion of Michael Jackson's 12-day transformation from ostracized to beloved." Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:34:00 -0400 20090708022049.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090708022049.aspx When challenged about offering hours of prime time to the Obama White House, network executives can get testy. NBC's Mark Whitaker shot back, "Compared to what, more of 'The Biggest Loser'?" ABC's David Westin said his critics want the network "neutered." Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:15:00 -0400 20090702051952.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090702051952.aspx Movie director Oliver Stone said on HBO that Ronald Reagan was a dumb "SOB." Historians and Reagan aides say the dumb one is the man from Hollywood. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:13:00 -0400 20090630062043.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090630062043.aspx When Michael Jackson suddenly died, the TV mourning overflowed, but no one asked: Was he a good man? Farrah Fawcett died the same day, demonstrating how celebrity can be used to help others. In the end, she never looked lovelier. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:16:00 -0400 20090626125812.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090626125812.aspx Showtime's new series "Nurse Jackie" is a noxious brew of drugs, adultery, lying, thieving, and anti-religious sentiment. But The New Yorker squealed it "actually tastes good." Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:54:00 -0400 20090623102913.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090623102913.aspx PBS banned stations from "proselytizing" for religion, but the PBS show "Now" hailed late-term abortionists as saviors and martyrs, while pro-life activists were smeared as terrorists. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:13:00 -0400 20090619051128.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090619051128.aspx Pornographers of all kinds exploit YouTube to drive traffic to their sites and products. Isn't that a problem when YouTube's a very popular website with America's children? Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:06:00 -0400 20090616062303.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090616062303.aspx While the government estimates another nine trillion dollars will be added to the national debt this decade, ABC's setting aside an hour in prime time to sell an Obama health care plan that could add another trillion to the pile. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:17:00 -0400 20090612095644.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090612095644.aspx Senators need to question Obama's FCC chairman nominee Julius Genachowski about whether the president intends to offer more than lip service on televised indecency. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:58:00 -0400 20090609052445.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090609052445.aspx Even a Supreme Court stay of the Chrysler sale to Fiat didn't jolt the networks into broadcasting the complaint that President Obama is unleashing a legally reckless and arguably unconstitutional manipulation of the auto business. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:20:00 -0400 20090605101826.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090605101826.aspx MTV offered a shameless stunt, complete with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen putting his bare buttocks right in the face of rapper Eminem. MTV then admitted this disaster was staged. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:48:00 -0400 20090602062926.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090602062926.aspx Pro-life groups issued press releases decrying the murder of abortionist George Tiller. But the media used this crime to smear pro-lifers for "incitement to murder and terrorism" with their rhetoric. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:24:00 -0400 20090528100329.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090528100329.aspx On Memorial Day, it would have been nice if the top-rated show was PBS's concert paying patriotic tribute to our brave fighting men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Thu, 28 May 2009 22:00:00 -0400 20090526053128.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090526053128.aspx After packaging him as an evil mix of Darth Vader and the Ebola virus, network stars have fits that Dick Cheney dares to speak against Obama. Tue, 26 May 2009 17:21:00 -0400 20090521053029.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090521053029.aspx Danish director Lars von Trier shocked the Cannes film festival with a "torture porn" movie called "Antichrist." Hollywood snapped it up -- unlike another violent new movie about a woman stoned by radical Muslims in Iran. Thu, 21 May 2009 17:23:00 -0400 20090520125711.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090520125711.aspx President Obama came to the campus of Notre Dame armed with all his usual arrogance. Despite his radical abortion record, he posed as the national moderator of "common ground." Wed, 20 May 2009 08:53:00 -0400 20090514085005.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090514085005.aspx The Washington Post music critic (named Josh Freedom du Lac) isn't wild about freedom-loving country music songs. Thu, 14 May 2009 16:47:00 -0400 20090514084646.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090514084646.aspx The raucous sound of applause for President Obama when he spoke at the White House Correspondents Dinner underlined what could be the news media's motto: "You had us at Hello." Wed, 13 May 2009 20:44:57 GMT 20090508030205.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508030205.aspx The Supreme Court ruled on the case of ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox all suing the federal government for the right to drop F-bombs and S-bombs on young children. Fri, 08 May 2009 10:59:00 -0400 20090508025924.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508025924.aspx The other day, when Specter's pollster apparently told him he was going to lose to Toomey in a rematch, he promptly chucked that blather about his courage and conviction and narrowed his thinking to clout. In desperation, he switched to the Democratic Party. Wed, 06 May 2009 14:57:37 GMT 20090508025645.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508025645.aspx When the conglomerates behind the viciously anti-Catholic book "The DaVinci Code" were looking for a director, Newsweek reported Ron Howard had a secret weapon: his aw-shucks child-star Opie Taylor likeability. "Ron is not a polarizer," said one. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:54:23 GMT 20090508024950.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508024950.aspx There's something very curious – even laughable – about watching the media assemble to offer President Obama a grade after the first 100 days. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:48:18 GMT 20090508024440.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508024440.aspx The latest Miss USA pageant on NBC illustrated that beauty pageants are becoming a dangerous culture-war mine field. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:40:45 GMT 20090508022553.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508022553.aspx Of all the bizarre fictions that the media have spread about Barack Obama, the strangest is that's he non-ideological. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:23:50 GMT 20090508022223.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508022223.aspx Ever since he left real radio in favor of the satellite kind, Howard Stern and his faded Dirty Old Man strip-club radio act have been invisible. But now, some people are apparently trying to match him on the struggling Sirius/XM radio system. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:19:57 GMT 20090508092730.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090508092730.aspx Newsweek greeted the coming of Easter with a black cover, and the headline "The Decline and Fall of Christian America," spelled out in red in the shape of a cross. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:24:58 GMT 20090507012759.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090507012759.aspx Our cosmopolitan elites have embraced the smutty Fox cartoon "Family Guy." Perhaps it was NPR's way of welcoming in an Obama appointee who everyone expects will "lighten up." Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:26:19 GMT 20090430043532.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090430043532.aspx Imagine being Laura Bush and turning on the television and watching the absolute deluge of sticky-sweet syrup being poured all over Michelle Obama during her European debut as First Lady. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:33:47 GMT 20090406010800.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406010800.aspx When MTV creates hazardous waste on television, there is no Superfund cleanup program. Worse still, sometimes their toxic programs end up getting recycled by desperate executives eager for a sleazy splash. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:06:39 GMT 20090406010355.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406010355.aspx It has become almost amusing, watching how the so-called “news” media are manipulating their own polls to keep the political weather sunny for their hero. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:02:36 GMT 20090406010156.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406010156.aspx Can a child be accused of child pornography? Could a child then be formally charged and convicted of it? These are the questions raised by the disturbing new trend called "sexting," teenagers sending nude or semi-nude pictures around on their cell phones. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:31 GMT 20090406125711.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406125711.aspx There's a huge hole in all of the public discussion about the reimposition of a “Fairness Doctrine” or a return to “localism” on the talk-radio format: What about National Public Radio? Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:55:57 GMT 20090406102530.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406102530.aspx Rock stars are rarely controversial for acting like rock stars. A decadent lifestyle of sex, drugs, and alcohol abuse are the expected menu. In our upside-down popular culture, rock stars create controversy only when they advocate an alternative lifestyle – when they wear purity rings and abstain from sex until marriage. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:23:33 GMT 20090406101330.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406101330.aspx Outrage burst forth from lawmakers in Washington when the story broke that insurance giant AIG still planned to dole out $165 million in bonuses to executives while it teeters near bankruptcy, kept afloat by taxpayers. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:11:46 GMT 20090406093908.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406093908.aspx Since 2005, Nicole Bernard has been Fox Television's senior vice president for standards and practices. Someone should put her face on a milk carton, because anyone who watches Fox must suspect she's never shown up for work. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:39:08 GMT 20090406092852.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406092852.aspx On March 3, President Obama said something remarkably stupid, wrong and politically tone-deaf. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:24:25 GMT 20090406092425.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406092425.aspx Lent is a season of sacrifice and repentance. Most commonly, the discussion of Lenten commitments revolves around our obesity problem, sounding like a recommitment to already dissolved New Year's resolutions about a better diet or more exercise. Sometimes, we can sound like we're more focused on Jenny Craig than Jesus Christ. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:24:25 GMT 20090406091020.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406091020.aspx As Gov. Bobby Jindal began to offer a Republican response, it became apparent that he would be no match with Barack Obama in the soaring-oratory department. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:10:20 GMT 20090406090450.aspx http://www.mrc.org/bozellcolumns/columns/2009/20090406090450.aspx Everyone who enjoys NFL football games knows they're going to be sitting through an avalanche of those awkward ads for erectile-dysfunction drugs, and ads soaked in sex and violence selling new movies or prime-time TV shows. Despite this barrage, the NFL has managed to show some standards, believe it or not. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:04:50 GMT