Topic: O Reilly Media

Fox News is observed to be tinkering with Tucker Carlson's show format to mimic Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" style. The use of on-screen text and scripted opening lectures suggests that network consultants are attempting to stabilize ratings following O'Reilly's departure. The Murdoch family's influence is noted as the network moves toward a more "middle of the road" and diverse anchor lineup.

Rumors circulate about the formation of a new conservative media network featuring Bill O'Reilly and Roger Ailes, potentially involving Glenn Beck's "The Blaze." The hosts speculate that O'Reilly and Ailes have the capital to front such a venture and could draw stars like Sean Hannity away from a "wounded" Fox News.

Lisa Bloom describes a "flawless" 18-day media and legal strategy designed to keep the O'Reilly allegations in the news and pressure advertisers. Organizations like Color of Change and Media Matters are taking credit for the advertising boycott that led to O'Reilly's firing. Protesters at News Corp headquarters used "hot chocolate" packets to mock O'Reilly's alleged comments toward black female employees.

The hosts predict that Sean Hannity will be the next target of coordinated advertiser boycotts led by Media Matters. They discuss the "workaholic" nature of Hannity's schedule compared to O'Reilly. The segment transitions into a discussion on the psychology of social justice warriors and the role of Patreon in funding online activism.

Ben Carson discussed media unfairness with Bill O'Reilly, claiming the press has abandoned its constitutional duty to be objective. The hosts dispute the notion that the press was ever objective, citing the history of "yellow journalism" and the explicitly partisan names of early American newspapers. They argue that modern journalism schools were created to mask inherent biases rather than eliminate them.

ABC News is criticized for perceived pro-Obama bias, allegedly stemming from the network president's sister serving as a high-level advisor to the White House. Coverage of a press conference interruption showed both Sam Donaldson and Bill O'Reilly defending the President, which is presented as evidence of a compromised media narrative.

Bill O'Reilly is accused of marginalizing Ron Paul by pretending to be confused by Paul's explanation of Keynesian economics and the Federal Reserve. The hosts argue that Fox News is run by establishment interests who prefer candidates like Mitt Romney or Michele Bachmann. They claim that even "right-wing" stations are often managed by liberals who prioritize ratings and establishment stability over genuine conservative discourse.

Bill O'Reilly aired a segment attacking actor Roger Moore for a perceived slight that occurred 18 years ago. O'Reilly claimed Moore failed to show up for a charity event in Harlem for children of addicted parents, illustrating what the hosts call a "classic media grudge" held by television personalities.

Bill O'Reilly is criticized for a slip of the tongue where he appeared to include himself in the "Democrat party" during a discussion about the House of Representatives. The hosts argue that Fox News reporting is often mediocre and leaves out critical context.

The hosts analyze Bill O'Reilly's coverage of the Shirley Sherrod story. They point out that O'Reilly misread a New York Times quote to claim he is "new media," and they examine his use of neuro-linguistic programming to avoid admitting a mistake while appearing to apologize.

The hosts discuss Tim O'Reilly's early contributions to the internet, including his work with The Well and the creation of the Global Network Navigator (GNN). They reflect on how being "too far ahead of the time" can prevent innovators from achieving the massive wealth seen during the late 90s dot-com boom. Curry compares his own early ventures in online video and audio to O'Reilly's trajectory.