The View From Here

Writing for TIME (9/25/08), James Poniewozik offered kudos to Whoopi & friends at ABC's The View for their refreshing transparency and approach to tackling tough topics. He suggests that The View "is driven by issues respectable journalists are uncomfortable discussing openly," and then praises them for their candid, informal, yet hard-hitting interview style.

His bottom line? He says there are "things that traditional journalism could learn from The View." Maybe so.

At the same time, if our recent experience with The View is indicative of how they operate, there are a few things Barbara, Whoopi, Joy, Sherri, and Elisabeth could learn from a refresher course in Journalism 101. They could start by verifying their facts before broadcasting to the nation an outright lie.

For example, when asked who was behind the Obama Waffles political satire product, The View wrongly reported that Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family "did this." That was factually wrong and completely irresponsible. Mark and I created this edible election collectible. Playing fast-n-free with the truth is sloppy, unprofessional, and tarnishes journalism as a profession.

Secondly, what about inviting an opposing point of view for the sake of balance? In our case, they didn't bother to contact us for a comment or a response. No chance to explain our intent. No opportunity to field their charges—which we would gladly do even now. I'm sure they're nice people, but apparently their view is the only view that matters.

Hey Whoopi, about that phone call . . .

Comments

[BK Cruise]

What did you expect? When was the last time The View manifested professional journalism, or even fairness when an issue played to their penchant for outrage? Expect more of the same with the changing socio-political landscape in the country.