Press Release: Fear and Loathing: Immigration Edition
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
CONTACT
Karl Frisch (202) 471-3205
kfrisch@mediamattersaction.org
Fear and Loathing: Immigration Edition
Special Report Documents Rhetoric and Hysteria Surrounding Illegal Immigration on Cable News
Dobbs, O’Reilly, and Beck “serve up a steady diet of fear, anger, and resentment on illegal immigration”
Report Attached as PDF and Available Online at:
www.mediamattersaction.org/fearandloathing
Washington, D.C. -- Media Matters Action Network today released “Fear and Loathing in Prime Time: Immigration Myths and Cable News,” a special report documenting the rhetoric surrounding illegal immigration heard almost daily on influential cable news channels. The report exposes how cable news overflows not only with vitriol regarding immigration, but also with a series of myths that feed viewers’ unfounded resentments and fears. Leading the charge are CNN’s Lou Dobbs, CNN Headline News’ Glenn Beck, and Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, all of whom have played major roles in creating this anti-immigrant hysteria.
“This report shows in startling detail how Dobbs, Beck, and O’Reilly serve up a steady diet of fear, anger, and resentment on the subject of illegal immigration,” said Karl Frisch, a spokesman for Media Matters Action Network. “When they aren’t demonizing undocumented immigrants with misleading claims, this trio of cable news bullies is advancing baseless urban legends and wild accusations targeting the immigrant community. CNN and Fox News need to answer for this -- failure to do so would be the height of irresponsible journalism and a disservice to the American public.”
The report discusses, in detail, two types of myths regarding immigration perpetuated on cable news. The first are the largest and most common myths, such as those about crime and undocumented immigrants, and the costs of illegal immigration in social services and taxes. The second are the urban legends, such as the purported conspiracy to take back the Southwest United States for Mexico and the supposed secret plan to construct a “NAFTA Superhighway” running from Canada to Mexico.
Media Matters Action Network’s analysis focuses on Dobbs, O’Reilly, and Beck. While hosts on other cable programs regularly discuss illegal immigration (particularly on Fox News, where it is a frequent topic on Hannity & Colmes and Special Report with Brit Hume), Dobbs, O’Reilly, and Beck are the key offenders.
Among the hosts, Dobbs stands out as the most guilty of this recklessly irresponsible journalism. Fully 70 percent of the 2007 episodes of CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight included discussion of illegal immigration.
Report Attached as PDF or Available Online at:
www.mediamattersaction.org/fearandloathing
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i love what media matters does, but
Jim,
I love what media matters does, but I didn't know they got torn up. How so? We're they not strong on their talking points, quick on feet etc?
In fairness, its tough to go on these shows and represent another point of view without them tearing you up, but I would be interested in knowing more...perhaps its on youtube.
s
Media Matters
Dobbs just verbally overwhelmed him and dominated the whole discourse. The Media Matters guy was on the defensive for almost all of the interview.I will see if I can find anything on it.
Dobbs and Media Matters
Media Matters had a spokesman on Lou Dobb's last night, and Dobbs tore him up.If they are going to go on Dobbs, or Beck, or O'Reilly I hope they get someone more agressive and quick on their feet than the fellow they had on Dobbs last night. Dobbs overwhelmed him. Media Matters accomplished nothing with that on the air interview.Beck, Dobbs, and O'Reilly are masters of the art of blarney, Media Matters needs somethat can handle that if they go on the air with them again.