I find myself in the unenviable position of agreeing with Bill O’Reilly, self-proclaimed culture warrior and focal point for so much that is wrong with the wingnut right. But much as it pains me to say so, he and I are on the same page with respect to the O. J. Simpson book and related interview, scheduled to appear on Fox on November 27th and 29th. A number of Fox affiliates have already decided to opt out of the controversial broadcast.
But it is the wording of Mr. O’Reilly’s comments that is striking.
The affiliates’ response is the latest development in an unusual internal backlash at Fox. Bill O’Reilly, the host on Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor” said on Wednesday that Fox’s decision to air the program is “simply indefensible and a low point in American culture.”
Silly me! I was under the mistaken impression that Mr.O’Reilly’s own broadcasts were the absolute low point of American culture. But, apparently, regular habitation of that niche has given Mr. O’Reilly the unique background and experience required to make such a proclamation.
But, there’s more. And I find further statements with which I agree.
Mr. O’Reilly went a step further on Friday, claiming that he would boycott the book, the interview and any companies that advertise during the program. “I’m not going to watch the Simpson show or even look at the book,” he said. “If any company sponsors the TV program, I will not buy anything that company sells — ever.”
Gasp!
Biting the hand that feeds him? Mr. O’Reilly believes that he is doing otherwise.
Of course, the chief sponsor of the program would be Fox Broadcasting, which like Fox News is owned by the same News Corporation that owns ReganBooks.
“For the record, Fox Broadcasting has nothing to do with the Fox News channel,” Mr. O’Reilly had said on Wednesday.
My aggreement ends at this point. (Whew!) I’d suggest doing a little Googling, MR. O’Reilly. Or calling Mr.Murdoch for clarification.
