| MEDIA -- CNN HIRES RADICAL RIGHT-WING HOST FOR PRIME-TIME: Cable news outlet CNN, often derided by conservatives as the "Clinton News Network" for its supposed progressive leanings, has hired right-wing radio host Glenn Beck to host a prime-time interview show on its Headline News network. Beck has a record of offensive and controversial statements. Regarding 9/11 families, Beck said, "[T]his is horrible to say, and I wonder if I'm alone in this — you know, it took me about a year to start hating the 9-11 victims' families? Took me about a year." Speaking to a caller who claimed to have tortured prisoners in U.S. custody, "I've got to tell you, I appreciate your service. ... Good for you. Good for -- I mean, good for you." On Hurricane Katrina survivors who remained in New Orleans, he said, "[A]ll we're hearing about are the people in New Orleans. Those are the only ones that we're seeing on television, are the scumbags." The hiring of Beck comes two weeks after the network hired right-wing author Bill Bennett away from Fox News, shortly after Bennett made headlines claiming that black abortions would reduce crime. |
