Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Wallace, defender of "fair and balanced" Fox, ignores Fox's promotion of tea parties Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace devoted more than nine minutes of his show to asking politicians and Fox News contributors about the April 15 tea parties. At no point did Wallace -- who has previously asserted that Fox "really [is] ... fair and balanced" -- note, much less take a position on, Fox News' relentless promotion of the tea parties. Read More Contradicting other reporting, Bennett claimed intel chief opposed torture memos release Contradicting other reporting, Bill Bennett claimed that Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair opposed President Obama's recent release of four previously classified Justice Department memos that had authorized the use of harsh interrogation techniques. Read More Fox News Watch doesn't disclose Pinkerton's role in hyping tea parties During a Fox News Watch panel discussion of media coverage of the April 15 tea parties, panelist Jim Pinkerton did not disclose that he had urged people to get involved in "protesting against the evils of over-taxation and its wicked handmaidens, over-spending and over-regulation." Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Gunmen kidnap 2 aid workers in Somalia

Gunmen kidnap 2 aid workers in Somalia: "About 25 masked gunmen armed with machine guns kidnapped two European aid workers in central Somalia on Sunday, aid workers and a witness said."

What countries raped Africa?

US boycotting, Iran starring, at UN racism meeting

US boycotting, Iran starring, at UN racism meeting: "The United Nations opens its first global racism conference in eight years on Monday with the U.S. and at least six other countries boycotting the event out of concern that Islamic countries will demand that it denounce Israel and ban criticism of Islam."

America is the most racism nation in the world. America should not ever boycott anything that addresses racism. America promotes racism.

Summit ending on hopeful note for President Obama

Summit ending on hopeful note for President Obama: "President Barack Obama wrapped up a summit with other leaders in the Western Hemisphere on Sunday the same way he began it: Pledging to reshape the image of the U.S. as an equal partner in addressing problems throughout the region."

Iran president urges full defense for US reporter

Iran president urges full defense for US reporter: "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said an American journalist sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of spying for the U.S. should be allowed to offer a full defense at her appeal, the state news agency reported Sunday."

NATO ships, helicopters hunt down 7 pirates

NATO ships, helicopters hunt down 7 pirates: "NATO warships and helicopters pursued Somali pirates for seven hours after they attacked a Norwegian tanker, NATO spokesmen said Sunday, and the high-speed chase only ended when warning shots were fired at the pirates' skiff."

Rachel Philippona, Miss Alabama USA 2009, competes for the title of Miss USA 2009 during the 58th annual Miss USA competition.Miss Universe L.P., LLLP - Monday, April, 13, 2009, 8:13 PM

Rachel Philippona, Miss Alabama USA 2009, competes for the title of Miss USA 2009 during the 58th annual Miss USA competition.Miss Universe L.P., LLLP - Monday, April, 13, 2009, 8:13 PM

Media Matters - Fox News market analysis: Blame Obama for bears, credit tea parties for bulls

Media Matters - Fox News market analysis: Blame Obama for bears, credit tea parties for bulls: "Weeks after suggesting that President Obama was responsible for the stock market's poor performance -- even though the Dow Jones average had been on a downward trajectory months before his inauguration -- Fox News' Brenda Buttner described the current upward trend as 'a tea party rally.'Weeks after suggesting that President Obama was responsible for the stock market's poor performance -- even though the Dow Jones average had been on a downward trajectory months before his inauguration -- Fox News' Brenda Buttner described the current upward trend as 'a tea party rally.'"

Grisly slayings brings Mexican drug war to US

Grisly slayings brings Mexican drug war to US: "Five men dead in an apartment. In a county that might see five homicides in an entire year, the call over the sheriff's radio revealed little about what awaited law enforcement at a sprawling apartment complex."

Obama extends hands to Chavez, Ortega at summit

Obama extends hands to Chavez, Ortega at summit: "President Barack Obama offered a spirit of cooperation to America's hemispheric neighbors at a summit Saturday, listening to complaints about past U.S. meddling and even reaching out to Venezuela's leftist leader."

Pirates seize Belgian ship with 10 foreign crew

Pirates seize Belgian ship with 10 foreign crew: "Somali pirates attacked two ships off the Horn of Africa on Saturday, seizing one Belgian vessel carrying 10 crew. NATO forces intervened in the other assault, chasing the pirates down and freeing 20 fisherman on a Yemeni dhow hijacked earlier."

US looks to hackers to protect cyber networks by AP: Yahoo! Tech

US looks to hackers to protect cyber networks by AP: Yahoo! Tech: "Buffeted by millions of digital scans and attacks each day, federal authorities are looking for hackers — not to prosecute them, but to pay them to secure the nation's networks."

Lawyer: Iran convicts US journalist of spying

Lawyer: Iran convicts US journalist of spying: "An American journalist jailed in Iran has been convicted of spying and sentenced to eight years in prison, her lawyer said Saturday, dashing any hopes for her quick release."

Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Cavuto continues Fox paranoia about DHS report Neil Cavuto repeatedly advanced the claim that the DHS report detailing potential increases in right-wing extremism targets conservatives simply for holding beliefs contrary to the Obama administration's policies and proposals. In fact, the report does not target conservatives for their beliefs, and Shepard Smith had debunked such claims on Fox News the previous day. Read More Fox News personalities continue to ignore Bush administration role to slam Obama DHS Fox News personalities continued to advance the claim that DHS is targeting conservatives and others with the release of its report on right-wing extremism, while ignoring the Bush administration's role and a similar report on left-wing extremism. Read More On the house: Fox aired 107 ads for its coverage of tea party protests over 10 days From April 6 to April 15, Fox News aired at least 107 commercial promotions for their coverage of the April 15 tea parties. The majority of all the ads -- 58 -- ran on April 14 and 15. Read More On Hannity, North falsely claimed DHS says right-wing extremism is "number one threat to American safety" Oliver North falsely claimed that a recent DHS report concluded that "right-wing extremism is the number one threat to American safety and security." In fact, the report does not make any conclusions about what is the biggest threat to "American safety and security" overall. Read More Scarborough repeated myth that White House requested Jesus' name be covered up Joe Scarborough advanced the claim that the White House specifically requested that Jesus' name be covered during President Obama's speech at Georgetown. In fact, the White House reportedly requested that Georgetown cover all signs and symbols on the stage. Read More Media verdict is in: Fox News driving force behind tea parties Like local media across the country, major national news outlets noted that Fox News was a driving force behind the April 15 tea parties. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Crain's Daily News Alert prepared for Top Executives

CHICAGOBUSINESS — POWERED BY CRAIN'S — Daily Business Briefing CRAIN'S LISTS SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MULTIMEDIA WEEKLY JOB CHANGES TOP HEADLINES Friday, April 17, 2009 · No relief in sight for grocery costs: Sara Lee CEO · McDonald's CEO's comp. rose 44% · Old Orchard owner expected to pass on General Growth malls · County CFO quits amid controversy · Jones Lang CEO declines bonus · Boeing, rival shouldn't share tanker contract: Gates · McDonald's CEO sees some 'thawing' in financial markets · Women's clothier opens temp store at Water Tower · In brief: Home sales at North Bridge | Big Elwood lease · Allstate chief's op-ed catches NY regulator's eye · 10 things to do this weekend  · Olympics details emerge, and another Stroger flap: Hinz blog · Charities to benefit from McCormick home sale: Taking Names blog · Madden's Chicago connection & a lucky buckle: Biz of Sports blog  As of 2:30 p.m. CDT Dow Jones 8,160.80 +35.84 +0.44% NASDAQ 1,672.85 +2.41 +0.14% Crain's Index 65.73 +0.630 +0.968% » View Other Top Headlines ADVERTISEMENT Support the Chicago River's continued recovery & get benefits such as FREE admission to the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum by joining our museum's Corporate Club. Learn the benefits to your company, community & the environment at bridgehousemuseum.org. OTHER HEADLINES · RR Donnelley chief sees pay drop 42% Chicago Sun-Times · GM bankruptcy possible: CEO New York Times · Oprah, Ashton Kutcher mark Twitter 'turning point' CNN Crain's Chicago Business | 360 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60601 ADVERTISEMENT TODAY'S FEATURES Crain's full coverage of General Growth After months of negotiations and speculations, shopping mall owner General Growth Properties filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection April 16. Check out our comprehensive package of news, data, and more.Read More · Chicago Business Today - April 17 · Road to Recovery: What's ahead for Chicago · Entrepreneurs in Action: TopGolf · Chicago 2016's Olympic Presentation SIGN UP FOR CUSTOM ALERTS Industries Companies Executives » Account Settings LISTEN LIVE: Traffic, weather and news from our news partner WBBM-AM.

CNN Programs - Today on CNN

CNN Programs - Today on CNN: "CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta follows a mother, a writer, a student and a husband. Each an addict on a journey through recovery & relapse. Could their brain hold the key to addiction?"

Relations between US, Cuba seem within reach

Relations between US, Cuba seem within reach: "Talks toward a thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations seemed to be a real possibility after the new presidents of both countries reached out to each other with surprisingly straightforward language about their desire to revive a relationship frozen by 50 years of cold war."

Obama heads to Americas summit with Cuba focus

Obama heads to Americas summit with Cuba focus: "After backing Mexico's ongoing battle against drug cartels, President Barack Obama is heading to a Western Hemisphere summit with a sudden spotlight on Cuba."

Obama: No charges for harsh CIA interrogation

Obama: No charges for harsh CIA interrogation: "President Barack Obama absolved CIA officers from prosecution for harsh, painful interrogation of terror suspects Thursday, even as his administration released Bush-era memos graphically detailing — and authorizing — such grim tactics as slamming detainees against walls, waterboarding them and keeping them naked and cold for long periods."

Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Wash. Post ignores report on left-wing groups in citing claim that DHS report is "politically biased" In an article about "widespread criticism" of a DHS report detailing potential increases in right-wing extremism, The Washington Post reported the claim that the report is "incomplete and politically biased," but did not note that DHS previously issued a similar assessment of left-wing extremism. Read More "Fair and balanced" Fox News is anything but in coverage of tea parties Despite its promise to deliver "total fair and balanced network coverage" of the April 15 tea party protests, Fox News repeatedly promoted the protests on that day and engaged in inflammatory rhetoric during its coverage. Read More "I saw it on Fox": Dozens of articles on local tea parties report Fox News had a hand in them Dozens of articles about tea parties in various cities reported that Fox News and its hosts helped influence, start, or turn out participants to local protests. Read More Fox News' tea party coverage makes mockery of claim that network provides "straight ... news" in daytime While Fox News executives' claim "the channel plays it straight with its daytime news programming," during coverage of the tea party protests, daytime anchors, reporters, and guests repeatedly promoted and touted the events before and on April 15, often echoing participants' rhetoric. Read More Crowley cites poll to show "fertile political ground" for tea parties, but ignores Gallup's conclusion Candy Crowley claimed that Republicans may find "fertile political ground" on the issue of taxes, citing a Gallup poll on taxes as evidence. However, Gallup said of the results of that poll: "Gallup finds Americans' views of their federal income taxes about as positive as at any point in the last 60 years." Read More CNN's Crowley understates Making Work Pay tax credit Candy Crowley claimed of the Making Work Pay tax credit: "The average tax cut is somewhere between $10 and $13." But Crowley did not explain that those figures apply per week, adding up to an annual tax credit of $400 per individual and $800 for families. Read More Fox Nation, Drudge Report, CNS distortion: White House requested "Jesus" be hidden during speech The Fox Nation and the Drudge Report advanced a CNSNews.com article claiming the White House requested that Georgetown University "hide[] 'Jesus' " during a speech there by President Obama. However, as the CNS article noted, the White House requested "all signs and symbols" on the stage -- not solely the name of Jesus -- be covered. Read More Cable news caricatures immigration issue with ubiquitous footage of border-crossers A Media Matters analysis found that April 9 reports about immigration policy on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News frequently featured footage of people apparently crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The footage distorts the issue; it does not address in any meaningful way the reality of their lives or the nation's challenges in dealing with the issue. Read More Hannity ignored payroll taxes to claim nearly 50% don't pay taxes Sean Hannity claimed that nearly "50 percent of Americans don't pay anything in taxes." In fact, according to the Tax Policy Center, more than 88 percent of families and independent individuals will pay payroll or income taxes for 2009. Read More Fox News anchors lash out at CNN reporter who said network "highly promoted" tea parties Gregg Jarrett said of a report at a tea party by CNN's Susan Roesgen: "[S]he took a swipe at Fox News saying, well, we contrived the whole thing, which is, of course, preposterous." In fact, Roesgen did not say Fox News "contrived the whole thing"; she said the network "highly promoted" the protests. Read More Fox News continues with DHS freak-out even after Smith and Herridge's debunking Even after Shepard Smith reported that a DHS report on right-wing extremism "isn't about tea party folks," Fox News hosts and contributors continued to advance the claim that the Obama administration is targeting tea party attendees, as well as conservatives and others, simply because of political differences. Read More Free from facts: CNN repeatedly misrepresented "Tax Freedom Day" CNN anchors and correspondents misrepresented the Tax Foundation's "Tax Freedom Day" to falsely claim to viewers that, in the words of correspondent Christine Romans, "[e]very penny you earned up until this very moment this year went to pay your taxes." Read More TheHill.com reports GOP reps' attacks on DHS report without noting findings by Bush FBI TheHill.com reported that Rep. Peter King "called for a hearing to investigate a Department of Homeland Security report that highlights security risks posed by extremist groups and disgruntled veterans." But The Hill did not note that the DHS cited an FBI report authored under President Bush that previously identified this pattern. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Obama seeks action from Cuba; Castro open to talks

Obama seeks action from Cuba; Castro open to talks: "President Barack Obama asked Havana to make the next move to improve U.S.-Cuba relations, saying Thursday that he needs to see signs of changes on the island before he makes any more overtures."

Keep up the pressure

April 16, 2009 Dear Fred, Earlier this week, I asked you to join me in signing a petition calling on Chris Wallace, host of Fox News Sunday, to hold his network accountable for its recent outrageous political activism, including its aggressive promotion of anti-Obama tea parties. So far, the response has been overwhelming. We have already surpassed our original goal of 25,000 signatures!   Due to the incredible response, we are upping our goal from 25,000 to 30,000 signatures. Please sign the petition and help us reach our new goal. http://mediamatters.org/action_center/wallace/  In just two days, we have collected nearly as many signatures as the estimated number of attendees at the four major "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties," which were promoted by the network for weeks. Join us and sign the petition -- send Fox News a clear message that news and partisanship don't mix. http://mediamatters.org/action_center/wallace/  I've included the message I sent you on Tuesday below. Thank you for your help in holding the media accountable. Eric Burns President Media Matters for America For news coverage to be "fair and balanced," there has to be a line separating news and legitimate commentary from political activism and demagoguery. Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace has repeatedly characterized his network as "fair and balanced," and as one that should be taken seriously. However, several recent actions on Fox News illustrate that the network is contributing to a culture of conservative paranoia and anti-Obama political activism. Please join me in asking Wallace to publicly denounce Fox News' recent actions. If 25,000 people sign our petition, we'll deliver it to Wallace and Fox News this week. http://mediamatters.org/action_center/wallace/ Recent events undermine the argument that Fox News should be treated as a credible, "fair and balanced" news outlet. For example, since launching his Fox News show, Glenn Beck, who has emerged as a prominent player in the network's lineup of weekday programs, has engaged in increasingly outrageous rhetoric that promotes a culture of conservative paranoia. His recent actions include: Imitating President Obama pouring gasoline onto the "average American": On April 9, Beck responded to, among other things, reports that President Obama will pursue immigration reform by imitating Obama pouring gasoline onto the "average American." After lighting and extinguishing a match, Beck asked: "President Obama, why don't you just set us on fire?" Mocking Obama's aunt's "limp": On April 2, Beck -- using a cane as a prop -- devoted large portions of a segment to mocking Obama's aunt's "limp." Portraying Obama and Democrats as vampires: On March 30, Beck portrayed Obama and Democrats as vampires "going after the blood of our businesses" and suggested "driv[ing] a stake through the heart of the bloodsuckers." Also, in recent weeks, Beck and Fox News have engaged in anti-Obama political activism through their aggressive promotion of the upcoming tea party protests, which the network has portrayed as a response to Obama's fiscal policies. In addition to repeatedly airing graphics describing the protests as "FNC TAX DAY TEA PARTIES," Fox News has run advertisements promoting them, listed information about the parties on its various websites, and aired graphics touting the date, time, location, and website of specific tea parties. And Fox News hosts such as Beck have encouraged viewers to attend the protests. If Wallace wants to continue to portray his network and influential Sunday show as a credible source of news, he owes it to his viewers to speak out publicly against Fox News' recent behavior. So please join us and take action today by signing our petition: http://mediamatters.org/action_center/wallace/ In the past, Wallace has criticized his Fox News colleagues when they have undermined his network's credibility. In March 2008, when he confronted the hosts of Fox & Friends for distorting Obama's words during what he described as "two hours of Obama bashing," he said that "one of the things that's great about Fox News is that we don't all follow talking points and we disagree about things." Following that incident, he said that "we really are, despite the sniffing or dismissals of our liberal critics, 'fair and balanced' at Fox News" and said that the news network does not "espouse" a "conservative point of view." The recent actions of his colleagues suggest otherwise. If Wallace wants to repair the damage done to his network's credibility, he needs to speak out publicly against the recent political actions by his colleagues on Fox News: http://mediamatters.org/action_center/wallace/ I hope that you'll join me in asking Wallace to hold his network accountable.   © 2008 Media Matters for America 1625 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20036

Crain's Daily News Alert prepared for Top Executives

CHICAGOBUSINESS — POWERED BY CRAIN'S — Daily Business Briefing CRAIN'S LISTS SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MULTIMEDIA WEEKLY JOB CHANGES TOP HEADLINES Thursday, April 16, 2009 · General Growth blames credit crisis, not shopping slowdown · Ill. unemployment hits 9.1%; forecast calls for 11% peak · General Growth unlikely to sell Water Tower Place, Oakbrook Center · Illinois foreclosure filings soar in first quarter · Blagojevich cronies plead 'not guilty' · Southwest to cut staff after 1Q loss · Chicago's a stop on Obama's $9B high-speed rail plan · Chase profits show signs of life · Analyst downgrades Kraft on volume risk · Baxter's profit up, but sales miss · Cat slides on analyst's dim outlook · 10 things to do this weekend  · The latest job changes and appointments: People on the Move · Tokyo's Olympic slip; taxes and Giannoulias: Hinz blog · Trader's sailing group shows off for IOC; flush with money but laying low: Taking Names blog  Final Markets Dow Jones 8,125.43 +95.81 +1.19% NASDAQ 1,670.44 +43.64 +2.68% Crain's Index 65.10 +0.970 +1.513% » View Other Top Headlines ADVERTISEMENT Support the Chicago River's continued recovery & get benefits such as FREE admission to the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum by joining our museum's Corporate Club. Learn the benefits to your company, community & the environment at bridgehousemuseum.org. OTHER HEADLINES · Housing construction hits lowest level nationally Chicago Sun-Times · U.S. airlines carried 11% fewer passengers in Jan. MarketWatch · NYTimes will cut sections to lower costs New York Times Crain's Chicago Business | 360 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60601 ADVERTISEMENT TODAY'S FEATURES Chicago Business Today - April 16 General Growth files for Chapter 11. Illinois ranks among top 5 states for foreclosures. StreetWise may be saved after all. Plus: The latest installment in our Road to Recovery series: The future of retail.Read More · Entrepreneurs in Action: TopGolf · Check, Please! at Charlie Beinlich's · Chicago 2016's Olympic Presentation SIGN UP FOR CUSTOM ALERTS Industries Companies Executives » Account Settings LISTEN LIVE: Traffic, weather and news from our news partner WBBM-AM.

15 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in Mexican shootout

15 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in Mexican shootout: "A shootout between Mexican troops and a convoy of gunmen left 15 assailants and one soldier dead hours before President Barack Obama arrived in the country to show his support for the fight against drug cartels."

Obama pledges help to slow US arms flow

Obama pledges help to slow US arms flow: "Confronting a Mexican drug war that is 'sowing chaos in our communities,' President Barack Obama signaled Thursday he will not seek the reinstatement of a U.S. assault weapons ban but instead step up enforcement of existing laws banning the transfer of such guns across the border."