Academic

"The Matthews Monitor"

By Robert Justin Lipkin

Kudos to Media Matters for America for taking up fight against Chris Matthews' distortions, biases, and sexism. These vices are matched only by his narcissism and, like other egomaniacal media ramblers-on, he has no ability to censor himself. (ECA has posted on Matthews distortions here.) I don't always agree with a Media Matters' analyses of a statement, position, or argument published in the media, but such cable "icons" like Chris Matthews need to be stopped or at least chastened and Media Matters seems intent upon doing so. Here's an initial depiction of the Matthews Monitor: "Despite his modest cable audience, Chris Matthews is an enormously influential power player within Washington's media elite. MSNBC has entrusted Matthews with a prominent role in political campaign coverage throughout the last year. This platform places Matthews in a unique position to define wider media narratives and agendas and to shape public perceptions on critical issues. If left unchecked, factual errors and distortions on Matthews' shows have the potential to reverberate throughout the media. Media Matters has created The Matthews Monitor in an effort to ensure that Matthews' coverage is solidly based on fact -- not speculation or personal animus." Media Matters is performing an invaluable democratic function and should be supported by every progressive who appreciates the critical importance of an intelligent, reflective, and honest press in a republican democracy.

Credit for Image

Full post as published by Essentially Contested America on February 03, 2008 (boomark / email).