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It's news vs. opinion: Give Fox a break

October 21, 2009 12:35 am

Leonard Pitts, columnist for the Miami Herald, was on the editorial page of The Free Lance-Star recently offering his criticism of the Fox News channel ["Even a blind Fox digs up an occasional ACORN," Oct. 15].

Perhaps it was in support of criticism of Fox coming from the White House?

Mr. Pitts argues that he does not consider the Fox News channel "a credible news source."

As proof, he listed what he characterized as false claims (in his words, "recent lowlights") made by Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity, all at Fox.

These men are not news reporters, and Mr. Pitts knows that. As does he, they offer commentary and opinions on the news, not news itself.

Mr. O'Reilly is host of the No. 1-rated cable talk show. Mr. Hannity is described by Fox as a talk show host. Mr. Beck's program is described as "the fusion of entertainment and enlightenment." None of these professionals is a newscaster.

If Mr. Pitts wanted to comment on the actual news at Fox, he knows that actual news comes from reporters like Bret Baier, Fox News anchor. Yet he does not quote Mr. Baier; he quotes people like Mr. O'Reilly, Mr. Beck, and Mr. Hannity.

Deceptively calling Fox commentaries "news" and then labeling Fox as "not credible" for news is well, deceptive.

So why would Mr. Pitts offer his commentary without integrity and honesty? Would it have something to do with his writing his own "lowlight" while falsely accusing others of doing the same? Does Mr. Pitts know the word hypocrisy?

Harold Hoffler

Stafford





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