DAN RATHER MUST APOLOGIZE - Press Release - April 04, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 04, 2001

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

If He Means What He Says About Being “Responsible and Accountable …”

DAN RATHER MUST APOLOGIZE FOR BRAZEN PARTISANSHIP ON-AIR TONIGHT

“CBS News Must Prevent Anchor’s Personal Bias from Further Damaging the Once-Respected News Division’s Credibility”

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Media Research Center President Brent Bozell demanded CBS Evening News Anchor Dan Rather make a full apology, live, on the air tonight for his speaking as the star attraction at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Texas a couple of weeks ago. The Washington Post reports in a front page story today that Rather was the star attraction at which donors paid up to $1000 “for a private evening in Austin with the CBS newsman.”

Rather told the Post that he takes full responsibility for speaking at the event saying: “I’m responsible and I’m accountable.” Bozell is calling on Rather to put his money where his mouth is by apologizing to the viewing public on tonight’s CBS Evening News broadcast.

“How many times have Rather and his colleagues throughout the establishment media railed at so-called ‘partisan politics?’ Without a genuine and sincere apology to the viewing public, Rather’s lips will forever drip with hypocrisy. As of right now, his stain covers the entire CBS News Division. Until sincere contrition is demonstrated live, on the air, no fair-minded person will ever trust CBS News again,” Bozell said.

Bozell charged that Rather’s nightly performances over the past 20 years on the now lowest-rated broadcast evening news program have regularly contained “bouquets to the Democratic National Party.” According to Bozell, last month “CBS Evening News spiked its own poll showing 88 percent of Americans who heard President Bush's speech approved of his proposals.”

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.