Hannity video switch-up is only the tip of Fox News' video-doctoring iceberg
On his Fox News show, Sean Hannity misleadingly aired video from the 9-12 March on Washington while discussing Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-MN) much smaller November 5 anti-health care reform rally to claim that "twenty-thousand plus" people showed up to Bachmann's protest. Hannity's video switch-up -- which Jon Stewart highlighted on The Daily Show -- is just the latest example of Fox News hosts' extensive history of deceptively using video and photos to advance a false or misleading story line.
Fox News has history of deceptively using video to advance dubious storylines
Hannity aired video from 9-12 rally while discussing Bachmann's recent rally. As Stewart noted, Hannity aired video of the 9-12 rally while he was interviewing Bachmann on his November 5 show about an "Emergency House Call" rally that she and other GOP members held that day to protest Democrats' health care reform bill. Hannity said, "Twenty-thousand plus people showed up. Were you as surprised as I was?" Bachmann replied that "estimates are anywhere between 20 and 45,000 people had assembled." While she was speaking, Hannity interspersed actual footage from Bachmann's rally, with footage from the 9-12 rally, which reportedly drew 70,000 people. According to MSNBC, "Three Capitol Hill police officers all guessed that the crowd numbered at about 4,000" in attendance for Bachmann's protest.
From the November 10 edition of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart:
Fox News encouraged crowd to cheer during report on 9-12 rally. During live coverage of the 9-12 rally -- which Fox News heavily promoted -- Fox News correspondent Griff Jenkins stated that protesters were "coming out to have their voices heard" and were an "absolute grassroots movement." As he was speaking, the crowd assembled behind him cheered, apparently in response to his words. However, other footage later revealed that a Fox News producer was encouraging the crowd to cheer by waving her hands in the air while Jenkins spoke.
Beck claimed G-20 protesters in Pittsburgh carried a hammer-and-sickle symbol, but image actually came from a California school's "Class of 2007" mosaic. On the September 29 edition of his Fox News show, Glenn Beck claimed that "[t]he very next day after the premiere" of Michael Moore's new film, Capitalism: A Love Story, "people were on the streets" of Pittsburgh protesting the G-20 summit "with this." Beck then aired an image of a hammer and sickle and read from the photo, "Oh, look at that -- 'Capitalism Will Fail' down there at the bottom." But the image Beck aired was not from the G-20 protests in Pittsburgh. Rather, as FoxNews.com reported on June 25, the image was of a "Class of 2007" mosaic painted by eighth-graders on tiles outside a Berkeley, California, school. The following is the image that Beck aired during his report:
Fox News presented deceptively cropped six-month-old Biden clip as new. During the March 16 edition of Fox News' The Live Desk, co-host Martha MacCallum misleadingly aired a six-month old clip of Vice President Joe Biden saying, "The fundamentals of the economy are strong," while claiming that "after weeks of economic doom and gloom, the Obama administration is now singing a slightly different tune." MacCallum then purported to contrast Biden's remarks -- which she characterized as from "this weekend" -- with what then-Sen. Barack Obama said during the 2008 presidential campaign, when he criticized Sen. John McCain for stating that the "fundamentals of our economy are strong, but these are very, very difficult times." However, Biden did not make his remarks that weekend; Biden made his remarks at a September 15, 2008, campaign event, and, like Obama, was criticizing McCain for his remarks -- not echoing McCain. MacCallum later apologized for the incident.
Fox News has repeatedly used doctored video and photos to smear progressives
Media Matters for America has documented numerous examples of Fox News hosts and correspondents cropping comments by progressives and Democratic political figures, and in one case, the appearance of New York Times reporters, in a manner that misrepresents them. For instance:
Ingraham used doctored video to smear Gore. On the May 1 edition of The O'Reilly Factor, during a segment suggesting that former Vice President Al Gore has profited from his advocacy of renewable energy and climate change mitigation, guest host Laura Ingraham presented clips of Gore's April 24 congressional testimony that had been edited to remove his statements that he donates the money he makes from his climate-related work to a nonprofit organization.
Goler reverses meaning of Obama quote to falsely suggest he supports European-style health care. During the April 24 edition of Fox News' Special Report, White House correspondent Wendell Goler cropped a comment by President Obama and took it out of context -- effectively reversing the statement's meaning -- to falsely suggest that Obama supports creating a health care system "like the European countries." Goler claimed that Obama "doesn't want to do it halfway" on health care, and then aired a clip from a March 26 online town hall event of Obama saying, "If you're going to fix it, why not do a universal health care system like the European countries?" Following the clip, Goler reported: "His critics worry universal health care would mean government-run health care." In fact, Obama actually said, "Now, the question is, if you're going to fix it, why not do a universal health care system like the European countries? [emphasis added]" In doing so, Obama was paraphrasing the town hall question he had been asked -- "Why can we not have a universal health care system, like many European countries, where people are treated based on needs rather than financial resources?" -- before explaining why he opposed such a system.
Hannity cropped comment to suggest Obama "blame[s] America." On the April 3 edition of his Fox News show, Hannity played a clip of Obama saying in an April 3 speech in Strasbourg, France: "In America, there's a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America's shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive." Hannity then said: "And the liberal tradition of blame America first, well, that's still alive." Hannity later asked: "Why is there this anti-Americanism in Europe?" In fact, immediately after the part of the speech Hannity played, Obama criticized anti-Americanism in Europe as well as Europeans who "choose to blame America for much of what's bad."
Fox News cropped Obama quote on empathy. During the May 1 edition of Special Report, saying it was a "description of how the president hopes his nominee will interpret the law," congressional correspondent Major Garrett aired a clip in which Obama stated, "I view that quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with people's hopes and struggles, as an essential ingredient for arriving at just decisions and outcomes." Garrett then said, "That aggravates those who believe justices should follow the Constitution and legislative intent." But Garrett omitted the very next sentence, in which Obama stated: "I will seek somebody who is dedicated to the rule of law, who honors our constitutional traditions, who respects the integrity of the judicial process and the appropriate limits of the judicial role."
Fox News aired altered photos of NY Times reporters. On the July 2, 2008, edition of Fox News' Fox & Friends, co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade labeled New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg and editor Steven Reddicliffe "attack dogs," claiming that Steinberg's June 28, 2008, article on the "ominous trend" in Fox News' ratings was a "hit piece." During the segment, however, Fox News featured photos of Steinberg and Reddicliffe that appeared to have been digitally altered -- the journalists' teeth had been yellowed, their facial features exaggerated, and portions of Reddicliffe's hair moved further back on his head. Fox News gave no indication that the photos had been altered.
It's like you guys don't believe teh good people of Fox at all.
Did you not read the posting? I mean, this reading stuff is really valuable when you're trying to evaluate stuff - you should try it sometime.
And when you are reading these other instances, perhaps you might notice some of the words are blue? Those are hyperlinks, which lead to the original stories that MMFA did about the previous examples of using doctored video and photos. And by previously talking about those previous examples, they did give FoxNews the opportunity to correct them. They didn't. And as I said below, these are not simple 'mistakes' or 'accidents'. These were purposeful misstatements and distortions. They weren't innocent, and they still aren't innocent.
Hater-apologists are always saying "But MSNBC does it, too!" to which I respond: "Oh yeah? When? Give me documented examples" which of course they never can. The best they can do is a few exaggerations, cherry-picked facts, and left-leaning opinions. But not the INTENTIONAL, WILLFUL, BOLD-FACED STALIN-STYLE FABRICATIONS you can find (and have found) on Fox or from that bloated, smelly, drug-addled America-betraying hate-monger on the radio.
Like 'mistakenly' labeling Foley a Democrat when he was disgraced, because, you know, all Democrats are perverts.
And when are we gonna start using the phrase "Obama Derangement Disorder" to describe the behavior of today's Republicans and their horde of right-wing lie-'n-smear merchants? As in "Sarah Palin, O.D.D. sufferer."
But welcome! You can do it here too!
MSNBC: Gun-Toting Protesters are 'White' Racists___ Black Guy with AR-15 Edited to Conceal his Race
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYKQJ4-N7LI&feature=player_embedded
An MSNBC spokesperson responded to POLITICO: "Contessa was speaking generally and not about that specific person with the automatic weapon."
And this video shot of a non-identified person carrying a gun doesn't change the fact that Obama is endangered to some extent by gun-toting whites, and he's endangered because he's black. It was file footage of someone with a gun. That's all.
MSNBC didn't deceptively crop that video to make a point that wasn't true. It's undeniably true that there are white guys who have taken guns to events like these. It's undeniable that threats to the President are up something like 400%.
So, let's compare that to what Sean Hannity did. Hmmm, they don't compare at all, do they?
Heck, if that's your best example, your assertion doesn't hold water. And if you didn't come with your best example, why not?
Your entire argument was based on the fact that MSNBC doesn't do it. Therefore, your entire argument is invalid.
I will say again, if you are getting the majority of your "news" from cable opinion networks, you are WOEFULLY uninformed.
Thanks for laying out the issue in a well thought out and intelligent manner.
You mean, in your thorough analysis of the article, you failed to note the nine other documented instances? Reading is fundamental.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chez-pazienza/sean-hannitys-act-of-neo_b_355385.html
Please do the reading before you post.
Fox = not news
MMFA = members of reality-based community
quantpro = internet newbie? kool-aid drinker?
go figure...
If Edward R. Murrow came back and saw what is touted as "Real Journalism" at FOX NEWS, he'd never stop throwing up.
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Are you kidding? Followers of this website are DYING to hear Fox admit or answer just one charge.. They refuse to answer.....ever!!!! They never apologize for anything they get wrong.....ever. They never answer when caught in a lie......ever!!!! They get away with everything because their viewers don't care and constantly defend them by accusing other news outlets of doing the same things....and they never prove a single allegation.
When I show one of these clips to anyone, their jaws drop in disbelief that Fox could be so blatantly dishonest. There are some people who are capable of believing their own eyes.
Wasn't that a requirement for working in w's misadministration?
But, that would make them similar to a "remarkable criminal enterprise" (trademarked by Karl Rove), wouldn't it?
Oh, wait...it's the same thing. Nevermind...
BTW, can anyone show anything remotely comparable among the so-called Mainstream Media?
"can anyone show anything remotely comparable among the so-called Mainstream Media?"
I've been making similar requests of our occasional "Fox-hugger". But, they don't seem to be able to rise to the challenge.
Fox-huggers complain a lot. But they never produce proof that willful distortions are made by the MSM outlets.
I guess it's just something that only Fox-huggers can understand. We "liberals" just don't get it. ;-)
Having shown one video that was misrepresented I don't see how you can leap to the history of such instances without listing each of them. Specially without giving Fox the opportunity to admit such and instance and hear their answer. Showing once more that you are tolerant in yourself that whci you cannot tolerate in others.
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Do you mean like when Rupert Murdoch said that Glen Beck never should have said that "Obama is a racist, with a deep seated hatred of white people"............but he agreed with Beck's statement regardless?
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
The appropriate Complaint Type is "Broadcast (TV and Radio), Cable, and Satellite Issues" and the Complaint Category is "Unauthorized, unfair, biased, illegal broadcasts" (the form states that this includes "Biased or distorted news stories by the media"). The original show aired on Fox News at 9:00 pm Eastern on November 11th 2009.
We have an avenue to correct this type of falsification and to make change we must make a complaint.
But that would only be half true, a better analogy would be like the Big Red Nose falling off a Clown.
Shouldn't a News Network be Accredited in some way like a Lawyer passing the Bar?
Or will we forever have to suffer Fox News with their hands caught in the Cookie Jar?
Speak truth to power.
Mr. News
It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may so express it, that mental lying has produced in society. When a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind as to subscribe his professional belief to things he does not believe he as prepared himself for the commission of every other crime. ~Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason
It takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen. ~Homer Simpson
I am different from Washington; I have a higher, grander standard of principle. Washington could not lie. I can lie, but I won't. ~Mark Twain
He was a liberal "elitist", and a member of the MSM. ;-)
Homer also said the single greatest philosophical line of all times:
"Alcohol: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems."
Can't wait for Murdoch's explanation of this on Aussie teevee.
Seems like the first four steps in the FOX NEWS Problem Resolution Process are:
- Duck
- Dodge
- Bob
- Weave
FOX NEWS - We Distort, You're Deceived
Back in civvies, 68.
A good day to all vets every where.
DI '69
InSannity runs a truncated clip of President Obama speaking about the US Constitution to make it appear he said something he didn't.
Boss BlunderRush ran a cut-off clip of Sen. Franken questioning Ms. Sotomayor to make it appear she knew the question that was coming.
The roster, of course, just goes on and on and on...
ap
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February 9, 2006
http://mediamatters.org/research/200602090006
Fox News' Special Report with Brit Hume showed an edited video clip of Rev. Joseph Lowery's remarks at Coretta Scott King's funeral, during which he mentioned the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Lowery's remarks were greeted with 23 seconds of applause and a standing ovation, but the clip Fox News aired presented nine seconds of applause and little hint of the standing ovation without noting that the clip had been doctored.
After seeing the clip, Roll Call's Morton Kondracke concluded that the audience "wasn't exactly uproarious in its response" to Lowery.
=======================================================
Why am I not surprised?
He had "earlier" plastered across the video.. Of course it implied that it was earlier in the day but he will state that "Everybody knew it meant earlier in the year."
Mark my words...:)
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This reminds me of Rush Limbaugh after the (13-year-old) Chelsea Clinton White House dog slime. He claimed the wrong graphic was put up. When he's been asked what graphic was SUPPOSED to go up with a joke about the White House dog, he's had nothing. Kind of like your posts.
Hannity apologized ONLY because this "inadvertent error" was SO blatant, so poorly done and edited, and was CAUGHT by TDS. He does this ALL the freaking time . . . he's a liar.
And where exactly is this post by Boburell? Not on this thread.
Hannity didn't apologize for what he did. He apologized for a thing that didn't happen, an accident. So, if someone said that this isn't an apology, they were right. And you are pretty delusional. This didn't qualify as an apology, remember.
It wasn't an inadvertent video error.
They got caught. They apologized. Great. It's a first step. It's a freakin' baby step, but it's not bad, by any stretch of the imagination.
It's also not a reason to overreact, like you are doing above, quantpro. Until this posting, they hadn't apologized. One time does not a trend make.
We don't demonize people - they do it to themselves. It's their behavior that's the issue - FoxNews is NOT a victim here, despite their repeated attempts to pretend they are. I will crush any argument where you or anyone else claims that these offenders are victims, so don't even try to go there unless you want to be made a fool of!
And we want to remove the toxic stuff from the national debate our country deserves to have, but you're wrong about which side is toxic, and there's plenty of evidence that you're wrong and virtually none that you're right!
We demonize because Fox News has ruined political discourse in this country. Soft headed loons buy into their lies. This scares the freaking soft heads who can't think for themselves, like youself, and sends them crying to town hall meetings and saying crap like that "I miss the america I once new." MORONIC PANIC!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT, I MISS THE AMERICA I ONCE KNEW. THE ONE WHERE THERE WERE NO 24 HOUR NEWS CHANNELS AT ALL. 24 HOUR NEWS CHANNELS HAVE RUINED OUR COUNTRY. ESPECIALLY 24 HOUR NEWS CHANNELS THE LIE AND DECEIVE IN ORDER TO PUSH A CONSERVATIVE AGENDA FROM A FREAKING AUSTRALIAN, NO DOUBT.
Quantrpro, please wake up and question what your are told for once. I don't care if you don't believe a word I've said, just please question everything! Thanks
Murdoch: "Hey, man, we're just part of the REMIX CULTURE! Despite wanting to prevent Google from remixing my news stories, I want our team to be part of the new hip, with-it internet generation and remix all our news. In-house only, of course."
This is very subtle, psychological manipulation. An astute individual who studies Fox News can come up with many such examples. People who do this sort of thing are not journalists. They are brain washers. It is all marketing, the art of presenting things so that a hidden agenda is communicated.
Fox News is evil. We've never had anything in this country like Fox News, not even Hearst was like Fox News. Fox News is anti-American. I am waiting for them to go too far. Murdock agreeing that the President is a racist borders on it.
The fact that FAUX News apparently does not know this is proof that either
(A) They are so appallingly ignorant that everything they "report" must be called into question
or
(B) They are banking on their core audience being so appallingly ignorant that nothing they say *will* be called into question.
I'm betting on (C) all of the above.
Frankly, I would rather be accused of abusing small animals, or poking holes in the Ozone layer, or even beating the hell misbehaving baby seals….
Go ahead, accuse me of being ANYTHING!! But please, please, PLEASE don't EVER accuse me of being a hannity watcher!!
Last August, FnS had on Deputy Sec of Vet Affairs Tammy Duckworth on to defend availability of "the Death Book" on the VA website. Duckworth said the booklet was currently "being revised" and "would not be available until 2010."
Fox conveniently clipped the "being revised" portion of her comment in a "Fact Check" the following week to make it sound like she was referring to the current booklet.
I've posted many videos myself, and it requires quite a bit of work to deliberatly splice a comment in mid-sentence, so any claim that such editing was "inadvertent" is complete nonsense.
The example being:
On Greta VanabashObama's show on the topic of the Fall of the Wall, the financial sector was mentioned. So you would assume if they were going to show a video showing the financial sector they would show something from Wall Street, New York City.
They didn't, each time they talked about the financial sector they showed a video of the Chicago skyline.
This is a very subtle example, but they want you to equate Wall Street greed to Chicago and Obama.
Your text to link here...
Did hell freeze over last night?
the retraction, very few hear....
Such an "error" is not possible without an Appalling level of imcompetence - a level of incompetence that i doubt even FOX Izvestia could achieve.
Suchbeing the case, Occam's Razor dictates that it was impossible and that Hannity's mouth is moving ... err ... i mean, Hannity iis lying.