Media Matters

* You can imagine the scrutiny and parsing that the live, pre-Super Bowl interview of President Barack Obama by Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly will be receiving. The (approximately) 4:30 sit-down exchange takes advantage of the gathering massive audience for the mega event.

For those scoring at home, a key indicator will be who prefaces questions with “With all due respect, … ” the most. It’s the oldest rhetorical trick in the book and assures that a big-time “gotcha” question or response is coming.

* Since when is a DUI charge against Justin Bieber a page one, above-the-fold news story?  Even if it’s bylined by your pop music critic. Even if it’s a slow news day. Even if you want to appeal to those who consider it “news.” That was disappointing, Tampa Bay Times.

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