Major US 'liberal' outlets clog media diets

Recent developments add weight to evidence that it would be unwise to have faith in news coverage from the National Public Radio or the New York Times.

For many years, health-conscious Americans avidly consumed margarine as a wholesome substitute for artery-clogging butter. Only later did research shed light on grim effects of the partially hydrogenated oil in margarine, with results such as higher incidences of heart disease.

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Putting our trust in bogus alternatives can be dangerous for our bodies. And for the body politic.

For many years, staples of the highbrow American media diet have included NPR News and the New York Times. Both outlets are copious and seem erudite, in contrast to abbreviated forms of news. And with conservative spin widespread in news media, NPR and the Times appeal to listeners and readers who prefer journalism without a rightward slant.

Recent developments, however, add weight to evidence that it would be unwise to have faith in news coverage from the NPR or the New York Times.

The myth of "liberal" National Public Radio has suffered a big blow. Days ago, the media watch group FAIR (where I'm an associate) released a detailed study of NPR indicating that the network's overall news coverage leans to the right. The documentation is extensive and devastating.

Consider a key aspect of the research:

* "FAIR's study recorded every on-air source quoted in June 2003 on four National Public Radio news shows: 'All Things Considered,' 'Morning Edition,' 'Weekend Edition Saturday' and 'Weekend Edition Sunday.' ... Altogether, the study counted 2,334 quoted sources, featured in 804 stories."