“Journalist,” not “jingoist” O'Reilly “uncomfortable wearing” U.S. flag, but apparently not commercializing it

Written by Julie Millican

Published

On the October 10 edition of his nationally syndicated radio program, while discussing CNN founder Ted Turner's recent assertion that it is “inappropriate” for the news media “to have the American flag flying in the background” during newscasts, Bill O'Reilly claimed that Turner “doesn't really like the fact that we, in the media, took a, let's say, an encouraging position toward American forces in Iraq.” O'Reilly went on to claim that he has “never worn an American flag lapel, ever ... because I am a journalist. I am. And I don't think I should have any insignias on.” O'Reilly further explained: “You know what I think. I tell you what I think. I don't need to wear a lapel. I don't need to do it. ... And even a flag ... I felt uncomfortable wearing it. I'm not a jingoist.”

But, while O'Reilly may not wear a U.S. flag lapel pin during his broadcasts, he does not appear to be “uncomfortable” using the U.S. flag to promote his work. In fact, O'Reilly's website, BillOReilly.com, offers “Premium Members” a "Free No Spin Lapel Pin," which features a picture of the U.S. flag with the words “No Spin” written beneath, “with each yearly membership purchase.” O'Reilly also features a picture of himself on the website wearing a “No Spin Microfiber Jacket,” which features a U.S. flag insignia. As well, the front cover of his latest book, Culture Warrior (Random House, September 2006), shows O'Reilly posing next to a prominently displayed U.S. flag. Moreover, "The O'Reilly Store" section of O'Reilly's website displays numerous O'Reilly paraphernalia for sale, including jackets, sweatshirts, hats, coffee mugs, and stickers, which all bear the U.S. flag insignia.

For example:

  • Free gift for BillOReilly.com “Premium Members:”

  • No Spin Microfiber Jacket:

  • Culture Warrior book cover:

  • No Spin Fleece Vest:

From the October 10 edition of Westwood One's The Radio Factor with Bill O'Reilly:

O'REILLY: OK, so he doesn't really like the fact that we, in the media, took a, let's say, an encouraging position toward American forces in Iraq. Ted Turner didn't like that.

Now, here's something interesting. I never wore a lapel, a U.S. flag lapel, when I was broadcasting during the initial stages of any -- I've never worn an American flag lapel, ever. And I got a lot of mail that said, “Hey, O'Reilly, where's your flag lapel?” And I said, “Well, look, I'm an American. You know what I think. I tell you what I think. I don't need to wear a lapel. I don't need to do that.” And I don't do it because I am a journalist. I am. And I don't think I should have any insignias on. I don't wear a Nike cap. You know, I'm not -- I'm in that business. And even a flag, I don't -- I felt uncomfortable wearing it. I'm not a jingoist, OK. If American troops go into a house and shoot down women and children, I'm gonna be on their case.

So, I didn't wear the lapel, but you certainly knew where I stood about that war. And, today, I think we were correct in removing that dictator. Our strategy, obviously, was flawed, but morally, we did the right thing. All right. I want to win the war, and we're obviously in a stalemate now, so it's complicated.