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Rupert Murdoch still pushing phony tale about Fox News ratings spike; lies about WH dispute

November 09, 2009 2:06 pm ET by Eric Boehlert

On a recent conference call with shareholders and the press, Murdoch, asked about recent Fox News battle with the White House, continued to push the bogus line about a ratings spike [emphasis added]:

As far as tension with the White House, I think they've overplayed it. And it's probably been good for us in terms of ratings.

False, as we documented this week, Fox News' ratings virtually flatlined in the two weeks after the public controversy exploded.

And oh yeah, on the conference call Murdoch also lied about the dispute and what White House officials have said about Fox News:

They have said publicly that we hare absolutely fair in our reporting of the White House. They just don't like one or two of our commentators.

At least we know where the misinformation at Fox News starts -- at the top.

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    • Author by DellDolly (November 09, 2009 2:23 pm ET)
      3  
      And it's nonsense like this that is why the White House said that FoxNews should not get credibility as a news organization.

      The White House didn't say that they don't like your opinion side or any specific commentators. It has nothing to do with opinion, per se, in any case. It's not related to the personalities on your network, Rupert. It's not a rejection of the opposing political opinions either. It has to to with lies, distortions and omissions which poison our national debate. Those offenses happen during both opinion and news shows on FoxNews.
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    • Author by raine315 (November 09, 2009 2:27 pm ET)
      3  
      Anyone else find it odd how Faux News' Rupert Murdoch is the symbol of EVERYTHING that their viewers are paranoid about but yet they dont seem to realize it. Everything from evil hateful lying unAmerican influences taking over to scary media empires to anti-Christ like figures. Its all there in one person- Rupert Murdoch LOL
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      • Author by twseattle (November 09, 2009 4:21 pm ET)
        1  
        I always marvel at conservatives ability to disassociate FOXNEWS from the FOX entertainment network. The Simpsons are fairly mainstream now but 'Family Guy' And 'American Dad' are shows You think would have them protesting outside the local stations every Sunday. Must be a lot more prom night dumpster babies than I thought.
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    • Author by Limit Corp. Ownership (November 09, 2009 4:46 pm ET)
      1  
      Uncle Rupert shows ya how it's done!!

      You start off with distortions and move on to flat-out lies.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by michaellovesnyc (November 09, 2009 5:35 pm ET)
          2
        Liberals are delusional, as usual. "For Fox News, election night coverage marked an increase of 84% in total viewers and 110% in the demo compared to the network's primetime average so far this year. MSNBC was up 18% in viewers and 8% in the demo. HLN was up 49% in viewers and 56% in the demo and CNN was down 12% in viewers and 18% in the demo."
        http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/372213-Cable_News_Ratings_Fox_News_Tops_Election_Coverage.php
        Report Abuse

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  • County Fair is a media blog featuring links to progressive media criticism from around the Web as well as original commentary, breaking news and rapid response updates to major media events from Media Matters senior fellows and other staff.
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