Question for older posters

[State Comptroller Atkins]

So there seems to be a lot of paranoia on the American Right about the mainstream networks (other than Fox News) having a left-wing liberal bias.

Was this the case before Fox News was created in 1996? A few right-wingers over here accuse the BBC of the same thing, but it's not a thing you see all posted over the comments sections of major political and news websites.

[freepcrusher]

i'm only 28 but there has been charges of a liberal media since the media existed. In the Cold War, it was thought that if you read the New York Times, you were a "red".

[Torie]

Oh yes, and in my youth, the networks as to their national news product were biased left - all three of them. Cronkite specialized in letting you know with his intonations, as to whom he found favor, and with whom he didn't. I actually find less bias today, considerably less, outside those who are not really considered News people, but rather commentators - Matthews, Hannity, O'Reilly, Maddow, etc.

[Sam Spade]

Agree with Torie 100%, though my history doesn't go back as far as his.

[J. J.]

Oh yes, and in my youth, the networks as to their national news product were biased left - all three of them. Cronkite specialized in letting you know with his intonations, as to whom he found favor, and with whom he didn't. I actually find less bias today, considerably less, outside those who are not really considered News people, but rather commentators - Matthews, Hannity, O'Reilly, Maddow, etc.

Yes, and there was a rather famous interview with Cronkite from 1973, where was asked, "Is there any truth in the view that television newsmen tend to be left of center?"

Cronkite said:  "Well, certainly liberal, and possibly left of center as well.  I would have to accept that ... But I don't think there are many who are far left.  I think a little left of center probably is correct."

I think cable has provided a place for people with different ideologies to gravitate.

[dead0man]

In short, yes.  In long, yes, of course.  What would make you think otherwise?

[memphis]

The right's not paranoid. It's just that the whole world is out to get them.

[J. J.]

The right's not paranoid. It's just that the whole world is out to get them.

I never knew you though Cronkite was on the right?

[Χahar]

In short, yes.  In long, yes, of course.  What would make you think otherwise?

Well, he's not American.

[memphis]

The right's not paranoid. It's just that the whole world is out to get them.

I never knew you though Cronkite was on the right?

Not so much any one figure as the entire media establishment. Never a word about poverty or a million other problems that are endemic in every community in America. Instead, you get a circus of fear and flag waving. Same as it ever was.

[J. J.]

The right's not paranoid. It's just that the whole world is out to get them.

I never knew you though Cronkite was on the right?

Not so much any one figure as the entire media establishment. Never a word about poverty or a million other problems that are endemic in every community in America. Instead, you get a circus of fear and flag waving. Same as it ever was.

Oh, please.  They even faked footage of poverty on CBS (1968).

[Senator Clarence]

Torie sums it up well... the difference between some one like Cronkite (the most trusted man in America) and some one like Maddow or Hannity is the last two- folks know they are biased... for a Cronkite or even a Brian Williams/David Gregory (not accusing either of bias) there is no expectation of it so it can be hidden more easily