MEDIA’S DISCONNECT ON GLOBAL WARMING - Press Release - March 29, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2001

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Katie Wright (703) 683-5004, ext. 132

MEDIA’S DISCONNECT ON GLOBAL WARMING: CBS AND NBC VS. FOX

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Media Research Center President Brent Bozell pointed to the great discrepancy in coverage over the past 24 hours of the global warming issue as evidence of a growing disconnect between establishment media such as CBS and NBC and new media like FOX.

“A classic case of Chicken Little hysteria versus balanced journalism,” Bozell said.

THE ISSUE: President Bush is opposed to the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty that was signed in 1997 by the Clinton Administration. FOX News reported that the Senate voted down the treaty 95-0 and the Clinton Administration never re-submitted it for a vote. Both CBS and NBC never mentioned these pertinent facts.

CBS Evening News… Anchor Dan Rather: “President Bush is ordering another rollback, another reversal in U.S. environmental policy.” Correspondent John Roberts: “It is the latest rollback of Clinton era environmental standards from water quality to mining regulations. The White House may even give free reign back to snowmobiles in Yellowstone Park.”

NBC Nightly News… Anchor Tom Brokaw: “Another controversial decision on the environment from the Bush administration.” Correspondent Campbell Brown: “Tom, tonight the White House is calling the global warming treaty bad for the economy, but the decision to abandon it is giving new ammunition to Democrats. … “The outcry over the President’s decision on global warming is not just coming from Democrats, but also U.S. allies, and the President is expected to hear more complaints tomorrow when he meets with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.”

FOX News Channel… Anchor Tony Snow: “The Senate had voted 95 to nothing against the Kyoto Accord anyway and the President’s move simply seals the deal or non-deal. Despite all this some Democrats are vowing to fight.” Correspondent Jim Angle: “No wonder Vice President Gore, who signed the treaty, said the administration wouldn’t even ask the Senate to ratify it without changes.” Soundbyte from Al Gore in 1997: “We will not submit this agreement for ratification until key developing nations participate in this effort.”

For more information on the Media Research Center or to schedule an interview with a spokesperson please contact Katie Wright at (703)-683-5004, ext. 132.