CNN/Lou Dobbs knuckled under to "We Can Stop the Hate" pressure? (American Jewish Committee)

The extremist-funding and awarding National Council of La Raza recently started a "We Can Stop The Hate" campaign with several other groups, including a few with indirect links to the Mexican government. Their first action was to encourage cable TV networks to have pro-borders spokespersons either removed from their broadcasts or to have their supposed affiliations disclaimed. It specifically involved Lou Dobbs Tonight (CNN), The O'Reilly Factor (Fox), and MSNBC News Live.

One of the "We Can Stop The Hate" groups, the American Jewish Committee, has now proclaimed victory in that campaign, at least against CNN, the only of the networks that responded to them (ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ijITI2PHKoG&b=849241&ct=5082085):

[Jeffrey Sinensky, AJC general counsel says:] "CNN was the first, and so far only, one of the three cable networks to respond to our concerns about giving a microphone to individuals and organizations that promote hate, espouse vigilantism, white supremacy, or even violence in the immigration debate... We are pleased that [CNN President Jim Walton] recognized the merit in our concerns and will be taking steps to assure that spokespeople on immigration are more fully identified for television viewers."

Whether they're just trying to put a happy face on a form letter, or whether CNN has actually buckled and will try to muzzle Lou Dobbs and other shows remains to be seen, but the only response provided doesn't look much like anything beyond a form letter:

CNN remains "committed to covering this complex issue by presenting diverse perspectives and viewpoints throughout our coverage across all of our platforms," said Walton. "We agree that it is important to inform our viewers about the backgrounds and affiliations of the guests or commentators that appear on our air."

Note, of course, that aside from Dobbs CNN isn't known for fair coverage, so whether we'd notice any difference isn't clear.

Immigration2008a · Tue, 03/04/2008 - 10:32 · · Importance: 1