Franken vs. FoxNews: who's fair and balanced now?

NEW POLL!
A quick lunchtime update: Fox News has just sued Al Franken for titling his next book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right," because Fox believes it controls the concept of 'fair and balanced.' What I really like is how their lawyers phrased the case(NyTimes)

"Franken is neither a journalist nor a television news personality," according to the complaint. "He is not a well-respected voice in American politics; rather, he appears to be shrill and unstable. His views lack any serious depth or insight."... "Franken is neither a journalist nor a television news personality," according to the complaint. "He is not a well-respected voice in American politics; rather, he appears to be shrill and unstable. His views lack any serious depth or insight." Lawyers for Fox who filed the complaint also take issue with Mr. Franken's book cover because it "mimics the look and style" of two books written by Bill O'Reilly, a prominent Fox News personality. Mr. O'Reilly is also pictured on the cover, just beneath the word "Lies."

Court papers refer to Mr. Franken, who is a former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer, as a "parasite" who hopes to use Fox's reputation to confuse the public and boost sales of his book.

Franken is also accused of verbally attacking Mr. O'Reilly and other Fox personalities on at least two occasions, and of being "either intoxicated or deranged" as he flew into a rage at a press correspondents' dinner in April 2003. Mr. Franken has not filed a response in court to the suit.

I did see bits and pieces from said dinner... Judging by the choice edits made by MSNBC that day, O'reilly is a screaming bastard and Franken a rambling idiot. I forsee the possibility that this lawsuit may unequivocally prove Fox News is not fair and balanced. That would be precious. This is great, as it will help promote his book, which I do intend to buy. He better stop at Ruminator on the book tour!

Posted by HongPong at August 12, 2003 11:33 AM
Listed under Books , Media , News .