Soros Gives $1 Million to Target Fox News
Wednesday, 20 Oct 2010 07:35 PM Article Font Size
Billionaire currency titan George Soros, long a patron of liberal political causes in the United States, is giving $1 million to Media Matters in what he says is an attempt to stop the growing popularity of Fox News.
The money, Soros said, is designed purely to ?to hold Fox News accountable for the false and misleading information they so often broadcast.?
The donation was all the more notable since Soros, who has donated to MoveOn.org and other liberal political websites, said earlier this year that he was holding back from giving to Democrats in the midterm elections because the Republican ?avalanche? in the midterm elections was nearly impossible to stop.
The donation itself seems to buttress a long held theory by Fox commentators ? that the liberal Media Matters has been under the control of Soros? money for some time. Soros has repeatedly denied that until Wednesday, when he announced his gift, Politico reported.
Fox News host Glenn Beck, meanwhile, has accused the group of being a "left-wing George Soros-funded media machine" and claimed it called him a jihadist.
But Soros still denied the allegations that he had funded Media Matters before Wednesday.
?Despite repeated assertions to the contrary by various Fox News commentators, I have not to date been a funder of Media Matters,? Soros said. ?However, in view of recent evidence suggesting that the incendiary rhetoric of Fox News hosts may incite violence, I have now decided to support the organization.
"Media Matters is one of the few groups that attempts to hold Fox News accountable for the false and misleading information they so often broadcast. I am supporting Media Matters in an effort to more widely publicize the challenge Fox News poses to civil and informed discourse in our democracy.?
Soros apparently played a role in the conspiracy theory that allegedly drove convicted felon Byron Williams to arm himself and set out to kill staffers at the Soros-funded Tides Foundation the ACLU this summer, Politico reported.
Williams said he had first heard of the theory from other sources, but he told Media Matters in a jailhouse interview that Glenn Beck was a ?schoolteacher? who ?blew my mind? on such topics. He told the interviewer to watch Beck?s June shows to get more information about Tides.
On Friday, Drummond Pike, the founder and CEO of the Tides Foundation, said ?there will be blood on many hands? if the next assassin succeeded, and called for a network-wide advertiser boycott of Fox News and Beck. This morning Media Matters launched a website to join the effort.
But Beck on Tuesday pointed out that Soros has been attempting to influence American elections for years. He also offered Soros to come on his show and debate, ?mano-a-mano, no minions, no spin doctors, no NPR journalists, just you and me.?
Glenn Beck has said on air that Soros funds Media Matters 14 times this year so far, according to Media Matters. But his main problem with Soros is how he manipulates world currency at the expense of the U.S. dollar, and how he is influencing journalism through huge donations to National Public Radio and other left-leaning media.
?He's been expanding his influence through groups such as the Tides Foundation,? Beck said on his show Tuesday. ?And if you think it's too much to call him the evil emperor from "Star Wars" episode, really more of the "Episode Six" emperor.
?If you think it's too much, well, he is the guy who's called for the managed decline of the U.S. dollar. Gee, George, thank you so much. I can't wait for my money to be worth less. Thank you....?
?See, what he does is buys up everything he can. He buys gold, like, right now, he's buying gold in huge sums, and then he just ? he waits for the right time and then he says, I don't know, I think maybe currency is not going to go so well, I'm not sure if I'm going to stay, and he sells and everybody panics, and they collapse. Four times. You're going to go for number five??
After explaining this, Beck launched into an explanation of how Soros is trying to manipulate U.S. public opinion similar to the ways in which he manipulates currencies.
?And now, here's what he's doing....? Beck said. ?He's buying up journalists. Soros' Open Society Institute just announced for you $1.8 million to add 100 journalists at NPR radio stations across the country. The only good thing here is at least George Soros is now just buying the reporters out in the open. So, that's great.
?So, the Huffington Post is going to be funded by George Soros and the Tides Foundation and their investigative arm. Yes. And then Soros Open Society Institute is helping fund NPR. That is great.?
? Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Replies
34
Beach Fanatic
It's one of those 'I am shocked to discover gambling in this establishment' moments, eh?
The only difference is that it's not a right wing whackjob doing the donations this time so it's noteworthy? (see Koch empire)
The only difference is that it's not a right wing whackjob doing the donations this time so it's noteworthy? (see Koch empire)
Beach Fanatic
Yea, really try googling "Koch, Funnel, Billions," it might even give you information on Beck's "secret" meetings with the billionaire right wing brothers who are trying to protect their huge corporate oil interest....
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Yea, really try googling "Koch, Funnel, Billions," it might even give you information on Beck's "secret" meetings with the billion right wing brothers who are trying to protect their huge corporate oil interest....I wonder who can out spend who?;-)
Beach Fanatic
I don't get this. The Kochs are trying to buy govt that protects their financial interests under the guise of a grassroots political movement. And Soros is trying to buy truth and accountability to expose the Kochs and the Foxes.
You think these are the same crime?
You think these are the same crime?
SWGB
I don't get this. The Kochs are trying to buy govt that protects their financial interests under the guise of a grassroots political movement. And Soros is trying to buy truth and accountability to expose the Kochs and the Foxes.
You think these are the same crime?
Isn't Fox pronounced Murdoch?
Beach Fanatic
I don't get this. The Kochs are trying to buy govt that protects their financial interests under the guise of a grassroots political movement. And Soros is trying to buy truth and accountability to expose the Kochs and the Foxes.You know, I don't think it really matters too much where money regarding political campaigns comes from. Money trying to change our government function and the capitalistic system is another matter. I have never heard the Kochs mentioned at any Tea Party Patriot gathering I've attended. When are some going to get it through their thick skulls the Tea Party, at least here, is about smaller government, less taxes, less government waste and fraud and states and personal rights. Nothing more, nothing less.
You think these are the same crime?
Beach Fanatic
Hi Andy,
Thick skulls are permeable to the ideals you mentioned. What isn't making it through to our brains is the idea that there are tea party candidates who represent those ideals but don't alienate voters other than those on the far right.
Thick skulls are permeable to the ideals you mentioned. What isn't making it through to our brains is the idea that there are tea party candidates who represent those ideals but don't alienate voters other than those on the far right.
Beach Fanatic
Hi Andy,May I respectfully remind you that what you have said is true of all parties. It is, however, being exploited by some in the Democrat party and the NAACP.
Thick skulls are permeable to the ideals you mentioned. What isn't making it through to our brains is the idea that there are tea party candidates who represent those ideals but don't alienate voters other than those on the far right.
Beach Fanatic
I believe the first part of what you just said supports my point rather than refutes it.
You can't have it both ways. It seems you're saying the TP isn't a party- it's citizens fed up with parties who share common ideals. But then the TP presents no candidates who demonstrate this and then you say- well, that's because they are no different than any other political party.
You can't have it both ways. It seems you're saying the TP isn't a party- it's citizens fed up with parties who share common ideals. But then the TP presents no candidates who demonstrate this and then you say- well, that's because they are no different than any other political party.
Beach Fanatic
Where have you gone, Joe Republican? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you (Woo, woo, woo)
What's that you say, Joe Republican, you've went too far right, you've left and gone away.
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)
What's that you say, Joe Republican, you've went too far right, you've left and gone away.
(Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey)
SoWal Insider
I don't get this. The Kochs are trying to buy govt that protects their financial interests under the guise of a grassroots political movement. And Soros is trying to buy truth and accountability to expose the Kochs and the Foxes.
You think these are the same crime?
If Soros were interested in truth and accountability in media, he would have funded mutliple organizations that expose bias (both left and right) in the press. But instead he only funded one side of the equation. That doesn't sound like somebody interested in "buying truth" to me. That sounds like somebody who's trying to promote an agenda.
Beach Fanatic
If Soros were interested in truth and accountability in media, he would have funded mutliple organizations that expose bias (both left and right) in the press. But instead he only funded one side of the equation. That doesn't sound like somebody interested in "buying truth" to me. That sounds like somebody who's trying to promote an agenda.
That makes sense.
SoWal Expert
I am not following how donating money to a well regarded non-profit group so they can add reporters is a smoking gun for how he is promoting media bias. :idontno:
The goal of NPR is to maintain high standards of broadcast journalism and they don't rely on commercials or ratings.
Seems like giving them money is a no brainer if you want to improve the level of dialogue and decrease sensationalism in this country, not a partisan issue.
The goal of NPR is to maintain high standards of broadcast journalism and they don't rely on commercials or ratings.
Seems like giving them money is a no brainer if you want to improve the level of dialogue and decrease sensationalism in this country, not a partisan issue.
Beach Fanatic
I don't get this. The Kochs are trying to buy govt that protects their financial interests under the guise of a grassroots political movement. And Soros is trying to buy truth and accountability to expose the Kochs and the Foxes.
You think these are the same crime?
Geo, Soros does not want "truth and accountability" at all. He wants his liberal agenda promoted and anyone who is opposed silenced. The Koch's want their agenda promoted and anyone opposed silenced. They are both uber-rich patrons of their causes. The only difference is Soros is ultra liberal and Koch is ultra conservative. You see no problem with Soros because you tend to agree with his positions and I see nothing wrong with Koch because I tend to agree with their positions. But do not think that either one of them care one bit about you or I. They are promoting themselves period.
Beach Fanatic
I am not following how donating money to a well regarded non-profit group so they can add reporters is a smoking gun for how he is promoting media bias. :idontno:
The goal of NPR is to maintain high standards of broadcast journalism and they don't rely on commercials or ratings.
Seems like giving them money is a no brainer if you want to improve the level of dialogue and decrease sensationalism in this country, not a partisan issue.
!. Media Matters is only "well regarded" by liberals. Conservatives view it as biased and unreliable.
2. NPR is nothing more than a liberal propaganda machine. The one good thing resulting from the Williams scandal is to expose all the excesses from the left that they promote or tolerate such as wishing Jesse Helms contracted Aids and then hammer Williams for verbalizing a very common feeling.
SoWal Expert
I am not talking about Media Matters (they are definitely partisan), I am talking about NPR.
Many people listen to NPR and the majority of their programming is non-political. They are a good educational source.
Liberal propaganda machine? :idontno: I love Car Talk, Mama Scooterbug likes their classical and jazz, Grandma Scooterbug likes the BBC news etc.
Soros gave an $1.8 million grant to NPR. The purpose of the grant is to add at least 100 journalists at NPR member radio stations in all 50 states over the next three years.
Many people listen to NPR and the majority of their programming is non-political. They are a good educational source.
Liberal propaganda machine? :idontno: I love Car Talk, Mama Scooterbug likes their classical and jazz, Grandma Scooterbug likes the BBC news etc.
Soros gave an $1.8 million grant to NPR. The purpose of the grant is to add at least 100 journalists at NPR member radio stations in all 50 states over the next three years.
SoWal Insider
imagine trying to describe yourself without using religious or political labels. could you do it, and would you admire what you see?
SWGB
!. Media Matters is only "well regarded" by liberals. Conservatives view it as biased and unreliable.
2. NPR is nothing more than a liberal propaganda machine. The one good thing resulting from the Williams scandal is to expose all the excesses from the left that they promote or tolerate such as wishing Jesse Helms contracted Aids and then hammer Williams for verbalizing a very common feeling.
Got a source for that one?
SoWal Expert
Got a source for that one?
That one I've heard - it was in mid 90's and someone on NPR made a comment about how if there was "justice" Helms or one of his family would get AIDS as payback for his lack of tolerance/bigotry regarding AIDS etc.
They didn't get fired, but it certainly wasn't okay and they had to publicly apologize.
SoWal Insider
That one I've heard - it was in mid 90's and someone on NPR made a comment about how if there was "justice" Helms or one of his family would get AIDS as payback for his lack of tolerance/bigotry regarding AIDS etc.
They didn't get fired, but it certainly wasn't okay and they had to publicly apologize.
I believe that was Nina Totenberg.
SoWal Guide
If intelligent, educational, worldly, un-sensationalized, respectful, thoughtful programs such as the ones offered by NPR are "liberal" in nature... then I am confused. I know they are typically given that label by many, but usually by those who have never really listened, as far as I know. Do they know about Science Friday? Or Car Talk? Or any of the incredibly well produced programs offered every day? or are these topics "liberal" even if they are not political? I am confused. Are you a "liberal" if you like to listen to the news, learn from quality programs or listen to stories about life in America (which are well crafted without even a touch of sensationalism)? Or are you a normal, every day American who just happens to enjoy informative but relaxing news without all the gore?
Some of the political commentary definitely leans from middle to left. but usually issues are well represented by various guests so that intelligent, respectful, insightful discussion can take place - among people who come from different perspectives/experiences of an issue (usually professionals in their fields). Most of these discussions help me to learn that there are truly many sides to most issues. And that these issues can be discussed without insulting remarks, drama, sensationalism given on other radio talk shows. Its the only way to listen and live, imo.
As pointed out by scooty and others, political commentary is a very small part of NPR programming. I find the programming highly educational and insightful, on an array of timely topics. Interviews with actors, musicians, authors, former prime ministers, and so many other people from around the world, are always incredible and well worth the listen.
Go up and read the first post. Read Beck's words. Amazing to me how he takes one incident or fact, and then takes so many leaps and bizarre connections. Is he making this stuff up as he goes? Or is it well crafted? Hard to know. I would say he makes it up as he goes based on how his speech is so disjointed. But, no, it must be well crafted for him to be able arrive at such outlandish conclusions - the kind that gets his viewers/listeners literally foaming at the mouth as they so love to do. Imagine loving to foam at the mouth whenever possible.
Car Talk - one of my favorite shows for years! Goofy but still you learn a thing or two. They make me laugh out loud. So much better than the Beck effect (foaming).
Some of the political commentary definitely leans from middle to left. but usually issues are well represented by various guests so that intelligent, respectful, insightful discussion can take place - among people who come from different perspectives/experiences of an issue (usually professionals in their fields). Most of these discussions help me to learn that there are truly many sides to most issues. And that these issues can be discussed without insulting remarks, drama, sensationalism given on other radio talk shows. Its the only way to listen and live, imo.
As pointed out by scooty and others, political commentary is a very small part of NPR programming. I find the programming highly educational and insightful, on an array of timely topics. Interviews with actors, musicians, authors, former prime ministers, and so many other people from around the world, are always incredible and well worth the listen.
Go up and read the first post. Read Beck's words. Amazing to me how he takes one incident or fact, and then takes so many leaps and bizarre connections. Is he making this stuff up as he goes? Or is it well crafted? Hard to know. I would say he makes it up as he goes based on how his speech is so disjointed. But, no, it must be well crafted for him to be able arrive at such outlandish conclusions - the kind that gets his viewers/listeners literally foaming at the mouth as they so love to do. Imagine loving to foam at the mouth whenever possible.
Car Talk - one of my favorite shows for years! Goofy but still you learn a thing or two. They make me laugh out loud. So much better than the Beck effect (foaming).
Beach Fanatic
Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?
SoWal Guide
Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?
good question, and I think you have a very good point. I didn't say NPR is unbiased. but probably the least biased of any other news source. Its political commentary may lean left but its expressed respectfully and presented in a way that explores the whole issue (not just one side)... (I think people's opinions have become overly biased about NPR. Who told my aunt that NPR was evil? what a terrible thing to do to someone!). Yes, I think it is biased in some ways - but not to any extreme - it does seem to have a fairly sophisticated listening audience.. the numbers from its membership/supporters show that listeners and supporters come from every direction.
as far as funding, I think its a pretty good deal to provide outstanding public TV and radio for everyone. I haven't looked at it closely, but why is it that public tv/radio programs strive for and attain such excellence? is it a govt requirement to meet certain standards? or is it due to the expectations of the supporting membership? or is it that its not for profit and not bought and paid for by anyone but its membership? or a little or each?
Some folks are calling for the govt to pull funding, and I can guess the reasons. It is sad.
I don't know.. maybe funding should be pulled. Maybe we should each do more as members, help raise funds and donate more for something so important. Federal funding has helped to establish something worthwhile so maybe the time has come.
npr FAQ
NPR receives no direct funding from the federal government. Less than two percent of the budget is derived from competitive grants from federally funded organizations such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Approximately half of NPR's funding comes from NPR member stations. In an average year, NPR funds about 45 percent of its operations with membership dues and program fees from member stations. The balance of NPR's annual revenue is derived from private foundations, individuals and corporations, in the form of grants, gifts, investment proceeds, and corporate sponsorships. NPR receives some revenue from distribution fees and fees from tapes and transcripts. Financial statements, based on annual audits, are available in NPR's most recent Annual Report (5.7 MB - Requires Adobe Acrobat).Wiki
Funding
In 2009 NPR revenues totaled $164 million, with the bulk of revenues coming from programming fees, grants, contributions and sponsorships.[14] According to the 2009 financial statement, about 40% of NPR revenues come from the fees it charges member stations to receive programming. Typically, NPR member stations raise funds through on-air pledge drives, corporate underwriting, and grants from state governments, universities, and the CPB. In 2009, member stations derived 6% of their revenue from local funding and 10% of their revenue from the federal funding in the form of Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.[14][15] NPR receives no direct funding from the federal government.[16] About 1.5% of NPR's revenues come directly from Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the majority of NPR funding came from the federal government. Steps were taken during the 1980s to completely wean NPR from government support, but the 1983 funding crisis forced the network to make immediate changes. More money to fund the NPR network was raised from listeners, charitable foundations and corporations instead.
SWGB
Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?
Perhaps you should read up on corporate welfare.
http://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-33.pdf
That particular publication doesn't even go into other forms of indirect corporate welfare.
Oh and I forgot to remind you that GM and the Banks got loans, not just a check. In fact the banks are almost done paying it back.
Beach Fanatic
Perhaps you should read up on corporate welfare.Yeah, like every other "loan" made by the federal government. Yes, the banks supposedly "paid back' loans many did not want in the first place because it gave the federal government an "in" into their business. Our economy and debt is unsustainable in its present condition and yet liberals such as you make every effort to convince the public alls right with the world if we just wait long enough. Its just like all the info on funding NPR. Their funding has purposely been structured so that it appears there are no federal funds involved. I know a couple of Senators who disagree that there is no federal funding and I happen to think they are right. That money could be better spent elswhere especially now that George Soros is their mentor.
http://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-33.pdf
That particular publication doesn't even go into other forms of indirect corporate welfare.
Oh and I forgot to remind you that GM and the Banks got loans, not just a check. In fact the banks are almost done paying it back.
Edited
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