Fox "News" to air Right-wing Daily Show

[banyon]

Fox News Channel Preps Right-Leaning Satire

By Paul J. Gough
Nov. 20, 2006

Fox News Channel might air two episodes of a "Daily Show"-like program with a decidedly nonliberal bent on Saturday nights in late January, with the possibility that it could become a weekly show for the channel.

The half-hour show is executive produced by "24's" Joel Surnow and Manny Cota and creator Ned Rice, who previously wrote for "Politically Incorrect" and "Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" through This Just In Prods. It would take aim at what Surnow calls "the sacred cows of the left" that don't get made as much fun of by other comedy shows.

"It's a satirical news format that would play more to the Fox News audience than the Michael Moore channel," Surnow said. "It would tip more right as 'The Daily Show' tips left."

The show was pitched as "This Just In" when it first got life as a 20-minute pilot presentation for Fox Broadcasting Co.'s late-night division. But when that network passed, Surnow said it attracted the attention of Fox News Channel chief Roger Ailes.

"I showed it to Roger, and he really liked it and thought it could work on Fox News if we could make it conform to some of the restraints" of a cable news channel. Fox News Channel confirmed that talks were going on.


"Fox News is always looking for new cutting-edge programming ideas," said Bill Shine, senior vp programming at Fox News. "We look forward to working with Joel Surnow on this opportunity."

Taped before a studio audience in Los Angeles, the show will feature two co-anchors, actors Kurt Long ("Cuts," "Games Across America") and Susan Yeagley ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Reno 911!"). It also will feature person-on-the-street interviews and correspondent reports like other shows. But Surnow said that it's not going to be strictly conservative but more in the spirit of the old and rebellious "Saturday Night Live."

"It's not going to hit you over the head with partisan politics," Surnow said. "It'll hit anything that deserves to be hit."

The title "This Just In" was scrapped after producers found out the name was being used by an HBO-AOL production. A new title has not been settled on.

Surnow said the two shows will be completed within the next couple of months and that none of the pilot presentation will be used on air. He said he thinks that it will appeal to millions of people who aren't seeing this type of show on television and that it would skew younger than the normal cable news demographic.

"The most exciting thing for us will be that it's going to be fresh," Surnow said.

Surnow is repped by Paradigm and attorney Michael Gendler.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i61fccc799efa3cb7cc70027d80722adf

[banyon]

Anybody interested?

I think I'd watch it to see what it was like, but my expectations would be low.

I don't think a "News" channel should be the proper outlet for this however.

[Chiefnj]

I don't think a "News" channel should be the proper outlet for this however.

It might just be more fair and balanced than the ordinary "news" shows on Fox.

[Saulbadguy]

You mean what I was watching on that channel wasn't satire?

[jspchief]

Does the daily show "tip" left? I honestly hadn't noticed. I just figured any added assault on the right had to do with who's in office. Kind of like the Tonight Show...whoever is is president is going to get made fun of.

[banyon]

You mean what I was watching on that channel wasn't satire?

LMAO

[banyon]

Does the daily show "tip" left? I honestly hadn't noticed. I just figured any added assault on the right had to do with who's in office. Kind of like the Tonight Show...whoever is is president is going to get made fun of.

I don't think it's a secret that Jon Stewart is a lefty. They gave it to Clinton pretty good when he was in office though.

[jAZ]

Anybody interested?

I think I'd watch it to see what it was like, but my expectations would be low.

I don't think a "News" channel should be the proper outlet for this however.
I don't have a problem with it at all. Fox "News" Channel is the perfect place for it. Sadly, everything in the news industry has become info-tainment. Heck, even the "odd-ball" segment of Olbermann's Countdown is pure entertainment. His "Worst Person In The World" segment is clearly info-tainment.

[Baby Lee]

Does the daily show "tip" left? I honestly hadn't noticed. I just figured any added assault on the right had to do with who's in office. Kind of like the Tonight Show...whoever is is president is going to get made fun of.
Yeah, but. When a Dem gets made fun of, it's in the sense of "bless him, his heart's in the right place but he's such a doofus" [think of the painfully funny segment on Kerry grinning vacantly while the stewardesses sang that song to him], while Reps get made fun of in the sense of "how do these evil ****s get away with this?"
Then there's the matter of Jon's nearly D'Onofrio-an breakdown when Bush was re-elected.

[WilliamTheIrish]

It would have to be funny. But I'm not sure there is a right wing guy that makes me laugh like maher.

Maybe the Brit guy Mark Steyn? He's got a great funny slant to his stuff.

[Laz]

if they hadn't announced it, would anyone of noticed?

[Baby Lee]

It would have to be funny. But I'm not sure there is a right wing guy that makes me laugh like maher.

Maybe the Brit guy Mark Steyn? He's got a great funny slant to his stuff.
Greg Gutfield?

http://www.dailygut.com/

[Nightwish]

You mean what I was watching on that channel wasn't satire?Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Maybe they could get Dennis Miller to host it. He's about the only right-slanted comedian out there who's halfway funny.

[Chiefnj]

Isn't the Colbert report right slanted satire? It's so satirically leaning toward the right that it becomes leftist material.

[banyon]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Maybe they could get Dennis Miller to host it. He's about the only right-slanted comedian out there who's halfway funny.

Whatever keeps him out of the MNF booth.

[D2112]

I will be on the edge of my seat in anticipation of this show!!!!

Thank you so much for the heads up Banyon!!!!REP!!! :drool:

[Pitt Gorilla]

You mean what I was watching on that channel wasn't satire?Well played.

[patteeu]

Anybody interested?

I think I'd watch it to see what it was like, but my expectations would be low.

I don't think a "News" channel should be the proper outlet for this however.

It's probably before your time, but we *do* have a long history of channels that mix what is widely considered to be entertainment and news. Was Walter Cronkite's credibility damaged because Archie Bunker shared his network? How about David Brinkley and NBC's Laugh-In? As long as it's recognizable as satire/entertainment, I don't have a problem with it.

[banyon]

It's probably before your time, but we *do* have a long history of channels that mix what is widely considered to be entertainment and news. Was Walter Cronkite's credibility damaged because Archie Bunker shared his network? How about David Brinkley and NBC's Laugh-In? As long as it's recognizable as satire/entertainment, I don't have a problem with it.

I didn't realize that NBC used to be called NBC News Channel.

[patteeu]

I didn't realize that NBC used to be called NBC News Channel.

I didn't realize that you were such a hardcore literalist. For some reason, this doesn't bother me. :shrug:

[banyon]

I didn't realize that you were such a hardcore literalist. For some reason, this doesn't bother me. :shrug:

I would think that the public duty of a news channel would be different from a network that is named "Comedy Central".

Old people are certain to be confused.

[patteeu]

I would think that the public duty of a news channel would be different from a network that is named "Comedy Central".

Old people are certain to be confused.

I'm not so worried about the old people. If we are going to trust them to vote, I think we ought to trust them to manage their own TV sets. Do you think it's a violation of MTV's public duty when they try to "Rock the Vote?" Youngun's might be confused. :p

[CRONUS]

I'm not so worried about the old people. If we are going to trust them to vote, I think we ought to trust them to manage their own TV sets. Do you think it's a violation of MTV's public duty when they try to "Rock the Vote?" Youngun's might be confused. :pNice job of being disingenuous. But I suppose the smilie made it work.

[Adept Havelock]

So FNC is bringing out a comedy show? What's the over-under on it lasting longer than Cop Rock?

[patteeu]

So FNC is bringing out a comedy show? What's the over-under on it lasting longer than Cop Rock?

Is there an over-under on a yes-no proposition? ;)

[KC Jones]

I believe this will go over as well as Air America.

The right has about as much a sense of humor or appreciation for satire as the left has willingness to listen to blowhards setting up strawmen and taking calls from morons.

:D

[GoBobDole]

"It'll hit anyone that deserves to be hit."

Bob Dole doesn't think it's right for any show--regardless of its political leanings--to hit people.

Well, except maybe Pootie.

And that rexwhateverjake guy.

And loaferlite06.

Maybe Bob Dole should just email them a list of names.

[MarcBulger]

I hope its like Limbaughs tv show from the early and middle 90's. Show was funny as hell, Rush could never get any prime time so his show had little following. Plus there was no Fox to broadcast it. I think it would be a success. Fox is the number one news channel.

[CRONUS]

I hope its like Limbaughs tv show from the early and middle 90's. Show was funny as hell, Rush could never get any prime time so his show had little following. Plus there was no Fox to broadcast it. I think it would be a success. Fox is the number one news channel.
:rolleyes:

[Adept Havelock]

Fox is the number one news channel.

Considering CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and the networks that strikes me as very similar to being the winner of a "fewest rotting limbs" competition at a leper colony.

[MarcBulger]

So what does that make CNN and MSNBC?

[Adept Havelock]

Fox is the number one news channel.

Considering CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and the networks that strikes me as very similar to being the winner of a "fewest rotting limbs" competition at a leper colony.

So what does that make CNN and MSNBC?

:spock:

Do you really need me to hold your hand and walk you through that simple a statement? Heck Marc, I know you are probably still concussed from that thumping of a shutout Carolina gave you yesterday (7 sacks, a fumble, and a safety, IIRC ROFL), but I'd think that post is still quite understandable.

Perhaps I've overestimated your intelligence and reading level. Next time I'll try to use words with only one or two syllables from the elementary school vocabulary list. I'll also attempt to refrain from the use of similes and sarcasm, as you seem to have great difficulty with those as well. :thumb:

[Ultra Peanut]

This is going to be an incredible cluster****, and I cannot wait to see it.

[MarcBulger]

Yes, I also need a hug, I had a hellava day yesterday. Bring Back Mike Martz....

[Pitt Gorilla]

So FNC is bringing out a comedy show? What's the over-under on it lasting longer than Cop Rock?He's guilty, Judge, he's guilty.

I can't believe I still recall that line. I must have watched the only episode that ever aired.

[Jenson71]

Here's what I think:

If you watch Fox News Network, you should be pissed about this. No, actually, if you're an American adult citizen, you should be pissed about this. You should be pissed because every corporation (and by every, I'm thinking the four, YEAH FOUR ****ING CORPORATIONS, that run the media) thinks you're a dipshit, and doesn't realize that America's freedom of press is one of the worst in the free countries. Almost everything about mainstream press is pathetic and you should be insulted if you aren't already that this is their next step. **** YOU PEOPLE. GET PISSED OFF YOU ****ING RETARDS. YOUR MEDIA IS SHIT AND YOU'RE ****ING TOO WRAPPED UP IN IT TO REALIZE IT. AMERICA RANKS LOWER AND LOWER EACH YEAR IN FREEDOM OF PRESS. IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE OR REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. IT'S ABOUT BEING SMART.

**** you people.

[Bowser]

Here's what I think:

If you watch Fox News Network, you should be pissed about this. No, actually, if you're an American adult citizen, you should be pissed about this. You should be pissed because every corporation (and by every, I'm thinking the four, YEAH FOUR ****ING CORPORATIONS, that run the media) thinks you're a dipshit, and doesn't realize that America's freedom of press is one of the worst in the free countries. Almost everything about mainstream press is pathetic and you should be insulted if you aren't already that this is their next step. **** YOU PEOPLE. GET PISSED OFF YOU ****ING RETARDS. YOUR MEDIA IS SHIT AND YOU'RE ****ING TOO WRAPPED UP IN IT TO REALIZE IT. AMERICA RANKS LOWER AND LOWER EACH YEAR IN FREEDOM OF PRESS. IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE OR REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. IT'S ABOUT BEING SMART.

**** you people.

.........

[Crush]

This will fail miserably.

[Bowser]

This will fail miserably.

Yes, yes it will.

Unless they peg Tucker Carlson to host with Jon Stewart being a weekly guest.

[Jenson71]

.........

It's not so much the show itself as it is the bigger picture.

[noa]

Here's what I think:

If you watch Fox News Network, you should be pissed about this. No, actually, if you're an American adult citizen, you should be pissed about this. You should be pissed because every corporation (and by every, I'm thinking the four, YEAH FOUR ****ING CORPORATIONS, that run the media) thinks you're a dipshit, and doesn't realize that America's freedom of press is one of the worst in the free countries. Almost everything about mainstream press is pathetic and you should be insulted if you aren't already that this is their next step. **** YOU PEOPLE. GET PISSED OFF YOU ****ING RETARDS. YOUR MEDIA IS SHIT AND YOU'RE ****ING TOO WRAPPED UP IN IT TO REALIZE IT. AMERICA RANKS LOWER AND LOWER EACH YEAR IN FREEDOM OF PRESS. IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE OR REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. IT'S ABOUT BEING SMART.

**** you people.


You sound like a Chomsky fan and possibly a RFK Jr. fan (he frequently talks about the death of the Fairness Doctrine). I always get riled up when thinking about four corporations controlling everything, but what are the solutions? I want more diversity of opinion, but I'm just not sure how to achieve it. The media is market driven, and clearly, the American market wants sensational news. Until that changes, these corporations have no incentive to change.

[Duck Dog]

It can't fail any worse than 'Air America'.

[Jenson71]

You sound like a Chomsky fan and possibly a RFK Jr. fan (he frequently talks about the death of the Fairness Doctrine). I always get riled up when thinking about four corporations controlling everything, but what are the solutions? I want more diversity of opinion, but I'm just not sure how to achieve it. The media is market driven, and clearly, the American market wants sensational news. Until that changes, these corporations have no incentive to change.

I really like As'ad AbuKhalil. I like my American Politics textbook that deals with private control of the media.

AbuKhalil is a professor in California, born in Lebanon, who gives lectures around the country.

What can we do, to stop people like Rupert Murdoch and his 132 newspapers, 24 magazines, book publisher, movie producer, television producer, etc, etc? I think we need some pioneers in government sure. But I don't have any answers when it comes to sanctions/laws.

But I think the average American needs to be shaken up. Maybe we can think of of a balance of power. The media is the watchdog of our government, let the people be the watchdog of our media. But we're way too comfortable, without realizing how we're just tools of them. The media is so uneducated and pathetic. We expect to know what Iraq is like when we send the New York Times to cover it and they live in some damned palace for two weeks, can't speak the language, just take some pictures, talk to one or two people, and then fly back to LA to talk about Britney Spears divorce. Stand up for yourselves, be educated when it comes to the press you watch. Find out what are good, dedicated press. The Economist, BBC, many European newspapers. **** the Times **** CNN, Fox News we're tools to them, Turner and Murdoch sit in their towers counting their cash putting color in Citizen Kane. Watch PBS. **** Britney Spears. Get educated.

[Nightwish]

Isn't the Colbert report right slanted satire? It's so satirically leaning toward the right that it becomes leftist material.
With that, though, the right slant is actually a part of the satire. They set up Steven with a persona as a beacon of the right in order to poke fun at the right. His is sort of a comedically rediculous portrayal of the right, as they see themselves.

[Nightwish]

I didn't realize that you were such a hardcore literalist. For some reason, this doesn't bother me. :shrug:
Nobody would care if they ran it on the Fox network. The Fox News Channel is something else entirely. Running a satirical news show on what is supposed to be a serious and legitimate news channel (of course, the reason so many of us consider Fox News to be satirical already is that "legitimate" isn't among its more accurate descriptors), would be kind of like running the Daily Show on CNN. The Daily Show belongs on Comedy Central, because it isn't meant to be confused with the real news. Fox network shows comedies, Fox News Channel does not.

[Nightwish]

Here's what I think:

If you watch Fox News Network, you should be pissed about this. No, actually, if you're an American adult citizen, you should be pissed about this. You should be pissed because every corporation (and by every, I'm thinking the four, YEAH FOUR ****ING CORPORATIONS, that run the media) thinks you're a dipshit, and doesn't realize that America's freedom of press is one of the worst in the free countries. Almost everything about mainstream press is pathetic and you should be insulted if you aren't already that this is their next step. **** YOU PEOPLE. GET PISSED OFF YOU ****ING RETARDS. YOUR MEDIA IS SHIT AND YOU'RE ****ING TOO WRAPPED UP IN IT TO REALIZE IT. AMERICA RANKS LOWER AND LOWER EACH YEAR IN FREEDOM OF PRESS. IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING A LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE OR REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. IT'S ABOUT BEING SMART.

**** you people.
Wow, I think somebody needs a nap!