FOX 17: Repeating Bush Uncritically

Analysis:

This is a very brief but typical example of local TV news reporting in that it only presents one voice, that of a government offical. This piece serves as basically a soundbite for the president, providing no critical analysis of his comments. It is noted that he addressed the Council on Foreign Relations, a group that “has been critical of the president’s policies”, but it is not noted how or why they have been critical of the president’s policies. This adherence to “official sources” is common amongst all three local TV stations and is not limited to coverage of the President. On issues concerning governmental policy, the views of government officials are often reported uncritically, while the views of non-governmental organizations and people are often ignored.

Story:

WXMI Newsreader – A tough crowd for president Bush during his speech on Iraq today. The president spoke to the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. Most of the audience has been critical of the president’s policies in the past. Mr. Bush told the crowd there have been stumbling blocks along the way to peace in Iraq, bat says progress is being made everyday.

Bush – We’re helping the new Iraq government reverse decades of economic destruction, reinvigorate its economy, and make responsible reforms. We’re helping Iraqis to rebuild their infrastructure and establish the institutions of a market economy.

Newsreader – President Bush’s speech comes a little more than a week before Iraq’s scheduled elections on December 15.

Total time: 38 seconds