"Riffed from the Headlines" is 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.
12.21.21
Reporting on the Mirror – CNN
In a lengthy report, Brian Stelter details how he, and cohort Don Lemon, testified in a sentencing procedure involving an individual brought up on charges of leveling threats against a number of journalists and media figures and their families. These were serious charges, and the threats are by no means acceptable and warranted being addressed legally.
Stelter, however, could not avoid including scoring political points. While he was on the receiving end of the man's threats, Brian just had to use the opportunity to inject his second favorite narrative topic - Trump's electoral battle. "This was, after all, a case about the real-life consequences of election lies."
But there was another takeaway that Stelter had, and it was one that sees him oblivious to his own actions. He reported that this was part of his comments to the court.
- "For a free press, this is an especially important baseline to uphold," I told the judge. "The press can't be truly free if it is subject to threats and harassment."
A valid comment, but one that can't apply to him. Stelter, after all, is a man who has lobbied to have Fox News taken down from cable and satellite providers. Many would say that too qualifies as harassment and a threat to the free press.
Here's the conclusion to the story I started to tell in October: https://t.co/7qhkVbCYO1 https://t.co/3zcUtR1PdT
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 21, 2021
Both Kinds of Standards – VARIOUS OUTLETS
Numerous states are going through the process of redrawing electoral maps based on the recent census results. We have been getting numerous reports on how much of a threat it is to our democracy that the GOP is redistricting in certain states. Yet, as the Democrats are doing the same in states where they have control, there is not such pearl-clutching and wailing. Note how this detail from Dave Wasserman "looks terrific for Dems."
NEW: California's near-final draft map looks terrific for Dems. All 42 Dem incumbents (except retiring Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D), whose Long Beach seat is folded in w/ LA Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)'s), get strong seats.
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) December 20, 2021
Meanwhile, *five* of 11 GOP seats get more vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/EUAtN2SRsI
Then there is the lack of concern over the racial component. When Democrats draw new districts based entirely on creating ethnic strongholds to bolster support, it is treated as cagey electioneering.
- "The most obvious, overriding aim of this map: create more Latino majority districts. Even though CA is losing a seat for the first time since statehood, there are 18/52 seats w/ 50%+ Latino voting age populations in this draft, up *five* from the 13/53 on the current map."
But in analyzing the GOP doing similar work, The New York Times is there to note the hateful racism behind their decisions.
A growing number of Black elected officials across the U.S. have been drawn out of their districts or placed in newly competitive districts. Almost all of the affected lawmakers are Democrats, and most of the mapmakers are white Republicans. https://t.co/YvbSS8nhLu
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 18, 2021
Anti-Social Media – SLATE
Recently singer Billie Eilish opened some eyes when she was on with Howard Stern and spoke boldly about the dangers of pornography and the negative impact it had on her from an early age. Slate looked at her comments and saw some problems. First was that a group they do not agree with, an anti-porn organization, touted that Eilish agrees with their agenda.
Then the outlet had to go forward and protect the sex industry from the opinion of a female singer.
- "Anti-porn groups do not leave room for an empathetic view toward those who choose to engage in sex work or to produce sexually explicit material, or the idea that pornography can be consumed by adults responsibly."
The anti-porn industry declared “Billie Eilish agrees with us” after the interview. The real lesson is more complicated. https://t.co/EcjKNRB17H
— Slate (@Slate) December 20, 2021
Pulitzer Prize Nomination – THE NEW YORK TIMES
The rat infestation in NYC is legendary, and as a new method of taking on the menace is noted, there is a curiosity attached to it. This new method lures the scourge in over time, and then when they are comfortable, the rodents are dropped into a solution.
New traps have been developed, and they lure in the rodents with cookies. I doubt Nabisco is in a rush to do some cross-promotion with this particular venture.
Oreo cookies are being used in new high-tech rat traps around New York City.
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 17, 2021
"Peanut butter Oreos are the best," said Rat Trap Distribution’s director of operations while installing a trap in the West Village. https://t.co/0pKe9jshxL
Glossary Over Things – WASHINGTON POST
About two months ago, radio host Dan Bongino entered into a standoff situation with his syndication bosses at Cumulus Radio over the announced corporate vaccine mandate. Bongino declared he would walk off the air if they insisted on the mandate, and he tells WaPo they are still negotiating, as the company has made some concessions, according to him.
That appears to be a rather straightforward explanation of where things stand, and yet the paper by their headline appears to be rather confused over the whole matter.
The Washington Post manages to answer its own headline with its own sub-headline. It would appear the term ''Ongoing'' is self-descriptive, and yet still elusive to the media experts. pic.twitter.com/YUYYf3y8mG
— Brad Slager - Incontinent On Another Continent (@MartiniShark) December 21, 2021
