NPR / Bill O'Reilly versus Al Franken

For years, the Republicans have accused the "mainstream" media of a liberal bias. From the liberal perspective, the media is controlled wholly by conservative interests. The media considers itself to be "balanced."

Now, I've always believed that corporate and financial interests always trump the public interest. It's not right but it's simply the way that this country has become corrupted. Sadly, our country has been taken over by big corporate interests. Whereas the average reporter for the LA or NY Times may have liberal tendencies, the editors and owners of the big corporate media make the editorial decisions, decide which stories get aired and "manage" the message.

That being said, I am disappointed when NPR treats Al Franken as royalty and treats Bill O'Reilly with barely guarded hostility. I've linked this post to the Bill O'Reilly interview that aired this week on NPR's "Fresh Air." The Al Franken interview is listed on the same page and you can come to your own conclusions.

In Iran, there was a spectrum of viewpoints and it was easy to tell them apart. In the US, the media feigns neutrality. In an era where corruption reigns supreme in our government, the media should fight for the public interest.