Statement from the Kennedy family:
“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the Kennedy family said in a statement. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.”
At a time like this, our thoughts are with the Kennedy family and we wish them peace and the consolation of having known and loved one of the great statesmen of our time.
However, as a site that observes and documents the media, I cannot let it go unnoticed that both CNN and MSNBC broke into their regular programming with news of Sen. Kennedy’s passing, and continued broadcasting commentary and condolences uninterrupted. When Fox News eventually reported the news, they quickly returned to the reruns of Greta Van Susteren and Glenn Beck. Thereafter they would intersperse brief updates, always resuming their scheduled programs.
It is no secret that I am an ardent critic of Fox News, but even I would not have predicted this demonstration of disrespect and journalistic lack of judgment. Fox News gave more consideration to the passing of Michael Jackson than they are now giving to Sen. Kennedy. That is a sad way to live up to a reputation of political prejudice.
R.I.P. Edward M. Kennedy.
I suspect that FOX’s coverage will get no better. Let’s face it: FOX viewers would probably dance on Ted Kennedy’s grave if given the chance, so FOX news won’t devote the kind of resources to his death like the other networks will. And they will certainly spend more time demonizing him than the other nets. They’ll use him as a political football when it comes to the healthcare debate as well.
I hope I’m wrong, but I’m probably not…RIP Teddy.
Sadly, this morning’s coverage on Fox is no better than last night. Again, CNN and MSNBC are airing special programming on the Senator’s passing, while Fox is treating it as just another news story among many.
The same kind of people who cheered when JFK was murdered are cheering now that Ted is gone. One idiot on a birther blog I read said: One down, countless more to go! It’s absolutely disgusting.
Last night I read some comments on Fox Nation and Free Republic and it was utterly disgusting. They were celebrating.
But I guess we should be grateful that they are exposing the repulsive wing of the Republican Party. We need to know what the scumbag contingent is up to.