Townhall's daily VIP feature with coverage on the deeply flawed aspects of journalism in the nation. We'll look to bring accountability to the mishaps, malaprops, misdeeds, manipulations, malpractice, and manufactured narratives in mainstream media.
08.19.21
Gilded Reframe – CNN
- Let's wait and see if the terrorists give any indication of their intentions.
In an interview with Saad Mohseni on CNN, Christiane Amanpour seemed to be willing to listen to the PR put out by the Taliban about respecting women's rights and having a more peaceful leadership. Seriously. Mohseni also appears to be willing to give the terror group that has just overrun a country the benefit of the doubt, as he was asked about the potential for violence from them.
- "It's too early to tell – we don't even know who is going to prevail. Can the real Taliban stand up, please?"
These are journalists who have not been at all influenced by the images and reports already of harsh violence displayed. I mean, sure, a woman was just killed in public for not wearing a burqa, but there apparently is a mystery about whether the "moderate" terrorists are in control.
“Can the real Taliban stand up please? You have different factions, you have different wings… so we’re not even sure which part of the Taliban will prevail. Will the moderates prevail or will the more conservative ones prevail? It’s too early to tell.” -- @saadmohseni pic.twitter.com/ej5gYpxtjK
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) August 18, 2021
Presentation Paradox – NEWLINES INSTITUTE
- The Taliban have been victimized by a journalist making a report.
Elizabeth Tsurkov has brought out a case of journalism ethics violation. Apparently, an Israeli journalist interviewed a Taliban spokesperson and did not reveal to this individual they were Israeli.
A journo with Israeli Kan TV conducted an interview with the Taliban's spokesman without informing him that he is Israeli & works for an Israeli channel. Naturally, this caused an uproar in the Muslim world. The journalist insists he's proud of this piece of unethical work.
— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) August 18, 2021
You hate to see the Taliban become victimized in such a fashion. Thankfully we have Ms. Tsurkov – who describes herself as "Passionate about human rights" – to take the side of the Taliban against such an egregious action.
Artisanally-Crafted Narratives – MSNBC
It was not even a week ago when we highlighted comments by Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. He had said some things about mask-wearing, which were identical to comments by Rand Paul, which got the senator banned from YouTube. Yesterday, he appeared on "Meet The Press," and the misinformation continued, though credit here needs to go to Chuck Todd this time.
By way of introduction, Todd mentioned the new surge of Covid cases, with a number of photos and graphics. The first is a case of irresponsibility, as it showed seven states – "all right now with Republican governors" – which the graphic claims are where masks in schools are BANNED.
Completely irresponsible graphic from @ChuckTodd. The states have not ''Banned'' masks in schools. This should be considered 'misinformation', according to this same media complex. pic.twitter.com/aXAewzK2Bj
— Brad Slager - Gold Medal Loser in the Keg Toss (@MartiniShark) August 19, 2021
Legalized Press-titution – CNN
It is admittedly refreshing to see so many in the press corps willing to come forward with actual criticisms of the Biden administration this week. Granted, there is a sadness that it took a tragedy on the level of the one we are witnessing in Kabul, but at least they are starting to come around.
In one such scathing report, CNN's Stephen Collinson makes what must be an unintentional admission.
- "Biden is failing to adequately explain why he so badly failed to predict the swift collapse of the Afghan state. And his credibility has been sullied because his confident downplaying of the risks of the withdrawal has been repeatedly confounded by events. Seven months into his term, Biden no longer gets credit simply for not being Donald Trump."
So now we have it on record; CNN spent half the year massaging Biden only because he was not the Bad Orange Man.
News Avoidance Syndrome – VARIOUS OUTLETS
- Instead of repeating talking points from the White House, the press is repeating silence on the issue.
In a rather surprising admission, Peter Baker from The New York Times explains the game plan by the administration regarding Afghanistan. If they only put up a good facade on certain aspects and then avoid the issue for the most part, most Americans will be fine about the debacle we are witnessing.
The press, apparently, is playing along to an extent.
The Biden team's cold political calculation is that Americans won't care what happens in Afghanistan as long as Americans are safe. To their point, today there are no front-page stories on Afghanistan in cities like Boston, Austin, Chicago, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Fresno or Miami.
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 19, 2021
Okay, there is a small matter of over 10,000 Americans still trapped inside the nation, but this is the plan.
Pulitzer Prize Nomination – MSNBC
- An actual primetime newscast did this, with a claimed journalist delivering it.
On his program "The Beat," host Ari Melber had a deeply serious point to make about Covid – and he proceeded to deliver it in a most unserious fashion. What is the best way to get the message out about the gravity of the pandemic? Melber apparently thinks that quoting lyrics by Notorious B.I.G. is the way to go.
"Covid's dangerous – it's lethal," he begins in grave fashion. Then, he goes on to make his point in...ridiculous fashion.
We are definitely living in end times
— The Original Aziatic Black Man (@Shaka_Amandla) August 18, 2021
pic.twitter.com/Fk0agJrObG
