Media

The 2008 Falsies Awards: In Memory of the First Casualty

by Diane Farsetta — December 10, 2008 - 5:07pm
  • Topics: Activism, Iraq, Election 2008, Global Warming, International, Media, Propaganda, Public Relations, U.S. Government

    • There's nothing quite like a hotly contested election. The candidates have their devoted supporters and angry detractors. Then there are vigorous debates over the issues, while some people question the integrity of the entire process.

    We speak, of course, of the Falsies Awards.

    This year marks the Center for Media and Democracy's (CMD's) fifth annual Falsies Awards. The Falsies are our attempt to shine an unflattering light on those responsible for polluting the information environment over the past year. We're happy to report that more people -- nearly 1,450 -- voted in this year's Falsies survey than ever before! We're also bestowing special recognition on one of this year's "winners."

    Falsies recipients can collect their prizes -- a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, our two cents and a chance to atone for their spinning ways by making a detailed public apology -- by visiting CMD's office in Madison, Wisconsin. This year's Gold and Silver Falsies go to masters of war deception, while the Bronze Falsie recognizes a massive greenwash campaign. The first-ever Lifetime Achievement Falsie goes to a serial corporate front man, while a determined (if at times laughable) attempt at nation re-branding wins dishonorable mention. Then there are the Readers' Choice Falsies and Win Against Spin Awards, nominated by our survey participants.

    Illinois Governor Arrested on Corruption Charges

    by Anne Landman — December 9, 2008 - 1:55pm

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich after wiretaps showed he planned to sell or trade the open Senate seat left by

    Main Source: 
    CNN, December 9, 2008

    News, Propaganda: What's the Difference?

    by Diane Farsetta — December 2, 2008 - 6:47pm

    The U.S. general heading NATO forces in Afghanistan wants to merge the office that provides NATO information to reporters with the office that carries out "information operations" against enemy forces. U.S.

    Main Source: 
    Reuters, November 29, 2008

    Medialink's Books Awash with Red Ink

    by Bob Burton — November 14, 2008 - 3:54pm

    In its latest quarterly financial report to the U.S.

    Main Source: 
    Medialink Worldwide, November 14, 2008

    Murdoch's Loss-Making Strategy

    by Bob Burton — November 13, 2008 - 6:30pm

    An opinion column by David McKnight, an associate professor at the Journalism and Media Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, argues that "Rupert Murdoch's critics often make the mistake of caricaturing him as just another businessman, interested more in money than ideology. ... These claims underestimate Murdoch's powerful contribution to the shaping of political ideas in Britain, the U.S.

    Main Source: 
    Sydney Morning Herald, November 8, 2008

    FCC Votes to Open Up White Spaces

    by Judith Siers-Poisson — November 6, 2008 - 5:44pm

    On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to open up the "white spaces" on the television spectrum that will be available when the U.S. switches from analog to all-digital in February 2009.

    Main Source: 
    Wired.com, November 5, 2008

    Government Agencies Pre-emptively Spin the Bush Years

    by Diane Farsetta — October 9, 2008 - 2:57pm

    "An e-mail went out last week to government agencies to get working on a project to lay out 'THE BUSH RECORD,'" reports Al Kamen.

    Main Source: 
    Washington Post, October 8, 2008

    FAIR Got Air, But the Candidates Don't Care

    by Diane Farsetta — October 8, 2008 - 4:05pm

    The second debate between the major party U.S. presidential candidates didn't address immigration policy.

    Main Source: 
    O'Dwyer's PR Daily (sub req'd), October 7, 2008

    U.S. Firms Paid to Pack Iraqi Media with Propaganda

    by John Stauber — October 7, 2008 - 10:16pm

    The Washington Post provides more information on the previously reported $300 million paid to private firms to propagandize Iraq over the next three years. The contractors will "produce news stories, entertainment programs and public service advertisements for the Iraqi media in an effort to 'engage and inspire' the local population to support U.S. objectives and the Iraqi government. ...

    Main Source: 
    Washington Post, October 3, 2008
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