New York Times executive editor Bill Keller has criticized the content of Fox News over the years for its "unhealthy" tone and the people who crafted its slogan as "ingeniously cynical." Overall, he finds its presence "more corrosive than cohesive." But he's usually laid off the people who watch the top-rated cable news network. Not anymore.
Last night at a Q&A session with City College of New York journalism students, Keller was asked for his thoughts on Fox News. According to The Cutline's Joe Pompeo, he responded: "I think if you're a regular viewer of Fox News, you're among the most cynical people on planet Earth," adding a favorite dig, "I cannot think of a more cynical slogan than 'Fair and Balanced' "
We're not sure about that. A lot of people watch Fox News for reasons that are uncynical and apolitical. Even Fox critic Alexandra Kitty concedes the network's production values are "sleeker and snazzier" than the competition. And then there's the chance of seeing Shep Smith cover a police chase. Really, is there anything less cynical than that?
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Ray Gustini



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