Post 9/12 Internal Fox News e-mail

By GottaLaff

Keith addressed this last night, I believe. My reaction to the e-mail below from Fox News Vice President of News and Washington managing editor Bill Sammon to the staff of the D.C. bureau:

Hahahaha ::dissolving in tears:: haahaha ::deep breath:: haahahaha ::pounding floor:: hahaaa!

Exhibit A: This video, which debunks nearly every word of the e-mail.

Presenting ::ta daaa!:: The ClusterFox Hypocrisy Memo: (I've highlighted all the lies in red)

From: Sammon, Bill
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 2:25 PM
To: 005 -Washington
Subject: standards

For those of us who have only been at Fox for a relatively short period of time, it’s useful to remind ourselves that, as journalists, we must always be careful to cover the story without becoming part of the story. At news events, we’re supposed to function as dispassionate observers, not active participants. We are there to chronicle the news, not create it.

That means we ask questions in a fair, impartial manner. When approaching interviewees, we identify ourselves, by both name and news organization, up front. [Laffy Note: Not sure about this one. Do they do this?] We seek out a variety of voices and views. We take note of the scene in order to bring color and context to our viewers.

We do not cheerlead for one cause or another. We do not rile up a crowd. If a crowd happens to be boisterous when we show it on TV, so be it. If it happens to be quiet, that’s fine, too. It’s not our job to affect the crowd’s behavior one way or the other. Again, we’re journalists, not participants — and certainly not performers.

Indeed, any effort to affect the crowd’s behavior only serves to undermine our legitimate journalistic role as detached eyewitnesses. [Laffy Note: True!] Remember, our viewers are counting on us to be honest brokers when it comes to reporting — not altering –the important events of the day. That is nothing less than a sacred trust. We must always take pains to preserve that trust.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please stop by.

J.O.Ke.

H/t: Gr8RDH