Dear Rupert Murdoch, We have cameras.
November 11, 2010 10:46 PM Subscribe
A charity auction whose grand prize was a business lunch with Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch has been won by David Brock. Brock is the CEO of Media Matters, a group consistently critical of Murdoch.
Auction site Charity Buzz described the auction as a "once in a lifetime chance" to sit with Murdoch "face to face over a friendly lunch and get his feedback firsthand on your proposed business ideas." It said it was valid for a total of six people and would be held in New York at a "mutually convenient" time with Murdoch covering the cost of lunch. "Winner will be subject to security screening and background check," it stipulated.
Media Matters founder and chief executive David Brock expects the lunch to go ahead. "I look forward to this opportunity to have a friendly lunch with Rupert Murdoch, along with five of my invited guests," Brock said in a statement. "I will soon contact Mr. Murdoch's office to determine a mutually convenient time and place in New York," he added.
Auction site Charity Buzz described the auction as a "once in a lifetime chance" to sit with Murdoch "face to face over a friendly lunch and get his feedback firsthand on your proposed business ideas." It said it was valid for a total of six people and would be held in New York at a "mutually convenient" time with Murdoch covering the cost of lunch. "Winner will be subject to security screening and background check," it stipulated.
Media Matters founder and chief executive David Brock expects the lunch to go ahead. "I look forward to this opportunity to have a friendly lunch with Rupert Murdoch, along with five of my invited guests," Brock said in a statement. "I will soon contact Mr. Murdoch's office to determine a mutually convenient time and place in New York," he added.
After some reflection, I think Fox News may be reflection of Murdoch's business opinions, and not his political opinions. If liberal news outlets made money, Fox would be liberal. Murdoch is out to make money, he saw an opportunity, and has capitalized on it.
This pops into mind because the nature of the lunch is about "feedback firsthand on your proposed business ideas". It's not about news or journalism with Mr. Murdoch. It's about business. And business is good.
It's been long established, there is even a court case that explicitly states that Fox News is not obligated to speak the truth. It's a business.
Media Matters will be barking up the wrong tree if they think they can convince Murdoch that his business model needs to be revised. Is it unethical? To you and me, sure it is. But to people like Murdoch the only thing that matters is money - if it makes money, it's ethical enough.
posted by Xoebe at 11:38 PM on November 11, 2010
This pops into mind because the nature of the lunch is about "feedback firsthand on your proposed business ideas". It's not about news or journalism with Mr. Murdoch. It's about business. And business is good.
It's been long established, there is even a court case that explicitly states that Fox News is not obligated to speak the truth. It's a business.
Media Matters will be barking up the wrong tree if they think they can convince Murdoch that his business model needs to be revised. Is it unethical? To you and me, sure it is. But to people like Murdoch the only thing that matters is money - if it makes money, it's ethical enough.
posted by Xoebe at 11:38 PM on November 11, 2010
Dear Mr Brock,
Congratulations on your upcoming lunch with Rupert Murdoch.
I am writing to inform you that, with proper technique and timing, the heel of one's palm can be driven upward into the nose of an unsuspecting victim with sufficient force to cause the sharp bones forming the nasal ridge to be driven backward through the sinuses and into the brain, resulting in rapid death.
Just sayin'.
Have a great day!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:47 PM on November 11, 2010 [8 favorites]
Congratulations on your upcoming lunch with Rupert Murdoch.
I am writing to inform you that, with proper technique and timing, the heel of one's palm can be driven upward into the nose of an unsuspecting victim with sufficient force to cause the sharp bones forming the nasal ridge to be driven backward through the sinuses and into the brain, resulting in rapid death.
Just sayin'.
Have a great day!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:47 PM on November 11, 2010 [8 favorites]
"I do apologize Mr. Brock but Geiger Counters are not allowed into the dining area"
posted by clavdivs at 12:15 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by clavdivs at 12:15 AM on November 12, 2010
What Brock doesn't know is that the meal will be fresh virgin blood served in small silver cups in Murdoch's private dining room, which is a rosewood panelled lair buried 30 feet below the Fox New studios to shield it from rays of sunlight. Brock will be screened for mirrors, garlic and wooden stakes as a condition of entry.
posted by MuffinMan at 1:21 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by MuffinMan at 1:21 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Xoebe: After some reflection, I think Fox News may be reflection of Murdoch's business opinions, and not his political opinions. If liberal news outlets made money, Fox would be liberal. Murdoch is out to make money, he saw an opportunity, and has capitalized on it.
1. You assume that other news outlets (CNN, MSNBC, networks) are liberal. The profile of the average reporter is a bit more liberal than the average, but this is also true of the educated. Not only doesn't correlation not imply causation, but it also implies that the two perspectives are fair and equal reactions to facts, that they don't actually favor one or the other.
2. You assume they are unprofitable. Some are, some aren't. They aren't as profitable as Fox News, but considering the theme of the channel that isn't surprising. They possess strong views, which inspires cultish devotion of a sort that objectivity-seeking, purposely-uncharismatic news organizations cannot. Note that Keith Olberman is the highest-rated program on MSNBC. It's not because he is or isn't liberal, it's because he's bombastic, speaks plainly and drives his show with personality.
Plus, when you're willing to shill out so readily, and accept advertising from folk like Goldline, 'taint hard. "It's no trick to make a lot of money, if all you want is to make a lot of money."
posted by JHarris at 1:35 AM on November 12, 2010
1. You assume that other news outlets (CNN, MSNBC, networks) are liberal. The profile of the average reporter is a bit more liberal than the average, but this is also true of the educated. Not only doesn't correlation not imply causation, but it also implies that the two perspectives are fair and equal reactions to facts, that they don't actually favor one or the other.
2. You assume they are unprofitable. Some are, some aren't. They aren't as profitable as Fox News, but considering the theme of the channel that isn't surprising. They possess strong views, which inspires cultish devotion of a sort that objectivity-seeking, purposely-uncharismatic news organizations cannot. Note that Keith Olberman is the highest-rated program on MSNBC. It's not because he is or isn't liberal, it's because he's bombastic, speaks plainly and drives his show with personality.
Plus, when you're willing to shill out so readily, and accept advertising from folk like Goldline, 'taint hard. "It's no trick to make a lot of money, if all you want is to make a lot of money."
posted by JHarris at 1:35 AM on November 12, 2010
Maybe Media Matters could invite Cee-Lo Green to the lunch too?
posted by iviken at 1:59 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by iviken at 1:59 AM on November 12, 2010
To be a fly on the wall...
posted by Jacqueline at 2:14 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by Jacqueline at 2:14 AM on November 12, 2010
Sever spinal cord at third vertebra, death is immediate.
posted by DreamerFi at 2:45 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by DreamerFi at 2:45 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
wondering if anybody gets the reference...
posted by DreamerFi at 2:49 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by DreamerFi at 2:49 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
>
Dear Mr Brock,
Congratulations on your upcoming lunch with Rupert Murdoch.
I am writing to inform you that, with proper technique and timing, the heel of one's palm can be driven upward into the nose of an unsuspecting victim with sufficient force to cause the sharp bones forming the nasal ridge to be driven backward through the sinuses and into the brain, resulting in rapid death.
...so make sure you duck!
posted by chavenet at 3:15 AM on November 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
Dear Mr Brock,
Congratulations on your upcoming lunch with Rupert Murdoch.
I am writing to inform you that, with proper technique and timing, the heel of one's palm can be driven upward into the nose of an unsuspecting victim with sufficient force to cause the sharp bones forming the nasal ridge to be driven backward through the sinuses and into the brain, resulting in rapid death.
...so make sure you duck!
posted by chavenet at 3:15 AM on November 12, 2010 [6 favorites]
with proper technique and timing, the heel of one's palm can be driven upward into the nose of an unsuspecting victim with sufficient force to cause the sharp bones forming the nasal ridge to be driven backward through the sinuses and into the brain
Alas, no. Rory Miller concurs.
posted by adamdschneider at 4:47 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Alas, no. Rory Miller concurs.
posted by adamdschneider at 4:47 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Some more guidelines for Mr. Brock:
- Don't look directly into Murdoch's eyes for more than one second at a time
- Do not allow him to touch the back of your neck, even if he insists
- If asked what your greatest wish/greatest fear is, do NOT answer
- Keep a note with the world "Elbereth" written on it on your person at all times
- Cyanide tooth capsules can be made at home, google for the instructions
posted by ymgve at 6:12 AM on November 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
- Don't look directly into Murdoch's eyes for more than one second at a time
- Do not allow him to touch the back of your neck, even if he insists
- If asked what your greatest wish/greatest fear is, do NOT answer
- Keep a note with the world "Elbereth" written on it on your person at all times
- Cyanide tooth capsules can be made at home, google for the instructions
posted by ymgve at 6:12 AM on November 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
btw: why didn't the OP link to the actual auction but a full three times to his beloved media matters project, even in the description of mr. murdoch?
posted by krautland at 6:51 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by krautland at 6:51 AM on November 12, 2010
David Brock is now Jonathan Harker?
posted by grubi at 7:02 AM on November 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by grubi at 7:02 AM on November 12, 2010 [2 favorites]
After some reflection, I think Fox News may be reflection of Murdoch's business opinions, and not his political opinions.
No, as it turns out, he really is an ultra-conservative. He believes the rhetoric.
posted by grubi at 7:04 AM on November 12, 2010
No, as it turns out, he really is an ultra-conservative. He believes the rhetoric.
posted by grubi at 7:04 AM on November 12, 2010
> Sever spinal cord at third vertebra, death is immediate.
The One will destroy YOU.
posted by mooselini at 7:10 AM on November 12, 2010
The One will destroy YOU.
posted by mooselini at 7:10 AM on November 12, 2010
SO that's what happened to David Brock! He's the head of Media Matters. I thought that place seemed shrill and dishonest. Now I know it's run by an avowed "former" smear merchant. Huzzah!
posted by grobstein at 7:19 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by grobstein at 7:19 AM on November 12, 2010
What Brock doesn't know is that the meal will be fresh virgin blood served in small silver cups
Brock was a right-wing ratfucker before whatever happened that brought him to where he is now. He's had conservative consommé before.
posted by aaronetc at 7:37 AM on November 12, 2010
Brock was a right-wing ratfucker before whatever happened that brought him to where he is now. He's had conservative consommé before.
posted by aaronetc at 7:37 AM on November 12, 2010
This is just an elaborate plot to get Brock to eat chili made from his parents' bodies, and then to subsequently be insulted by all of the members of Radiohead.
posted by kryptondog at 7:38 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by kryptondog at 7:38 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
oh shit, now i know who DAVID BROCK is. damn. if he had stayed a conservative there probably would have never been a KEN MEHLMAN --although i say probably because Brock's targets weren't gays but Anita Hill and the Clintons. still ... ugh.
posted by liza at 7:44 AM on November 12, 2010
posted by liza at 7:44 AM on November 12, 2010
Auction site Charity Buzz described the auction as a "once in a lifetime chance" to sit with Murdoch "face to face over a friendly lunch and get his feedback firsthand on your proposed business ideas."
Now this is interesting. Does this mean that Mr. Brock has been defrauded, with cause for legal action, if the lunch turns out not to be very "friendly" at all?
posted by Naberius at 8:11 AM on November 12, 2010
Now this is interesting. Does this mean that Mr. Brock has been defrauded, with cause for legal action, if the lunch turns out not to be very "friendly" at all?
posted by Naberius at 8:11 AM on November 12, 2010
Alas, no.
Well, hell.
Guess you'll hafta shoot the motherfucker, then,
posted by BitterOldPunk at 8:23 AM on November 12, 2010
Well, hell.
Guess you'll hafta shoot the motherfucker, then,
posted by BitterOldPunk at 8:23 AM on November 12, 2010
stoneweaver: There doesn't seem to be a link to a news source besides Media Matters about this in the post.
Yahoo News: Media Matters CEO to lunch with Rupert Murdoch
aaronetc: Brock was a right-wing ratfucker before whatever happened that brought him to where he is now.
Slate Chatterbox - David Brock, Liar: A lifelong habit proves hard to break.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:00 AM on November 12, 2010
Yahoo News: Media Matters CEO to lunch with Rupert Murdoch
aaronetc: Brock was a right-wing ratfucker before whatever happened that brought him to where he is now.
Slate Chatterbox - David Brock, Liar: A lifelong habit proves hard to break.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:00 AM on November 12, 2010
I thought that place seemed shrill and dishonest.
Really? I mean, really?
posted by grubi at 9:13 AM on November 12, 2010
Really? I mean, really?
posted by grubi at 9:13 AM on November 12, 2010
Guess you'll hafta shoot the motherfucker
MURDOCH: Describe, in single words, only the good things that come into your mind about your mother...
posted by adamdschneider at 9:33 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
MURDOCH: Describe, in single words, only the good things that come into your mind about your mother...
posted by adamdschneider at 9:33 AM on November 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
J Harris: 1. You assume that other news outlets (CNN, MSNBC, networks) are liberal.
I'm don't see how you got that from Xoebe's post -- or the line you quoted -- at all.
posted by coolguymichael at 11:21 AM on November 12, 2010
I'm don't see how you got that from Xoebe's post -- or the line you quoted -- at all.
posted by coolguymichael at 11:21 AM on November 12, 2010
David Brock wrote a fascinating book about his conversion from right-wing hack to righteous lefty. Strongly recommended--lots of names are named, much money is paid out in wingnut welfare, and a certain righty blogger is outed.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:12 PM on November 12, 2010
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:12 PM on November 12, 2010
ever spinal cord at third vertebra, death is immediate.
STTNG?
Best of Both Worlds, part II, right?
posted by Ryvar at 7:50 AM on November 13, 2010
STTNG?
Best of Both Worlds, part II, right?
posted by Ryvar at 7:50 AM on November 13, 2010
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posted by krautland at 10:54 PM on November 11, 2010 [2 favorites]