On November 14, a Russian newscaster, while reading on live television a story mentioning President Obama, appeared to give a gesture of disrespect (the raised middle finger, or "the bird"). The Russian TV network, REN TV, issued a statement noting that such behavior was "a gross violation of on-air discipline and unprofessionalism." The newscaster claimed she didn't even know she was actually on the air at the time, but nonetheless the newscaster was fired.
Meanwhile, in America. Michelle Bachmann appears on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." (Presidential candidates have to associate with all sorts while campaigning.) Fallon's band leader picked out what he felt was an appropriate "walk-on" or intro song for a female GOP candidate - a song which featured the refrain "lyin' ass bitch." It wasn't by accident, and the Fallon's band knew they were on the air. It is difficult to imagine a more sexist or demeaning song choice.
Jimmy Fallon later apologized for the song. After the incident garnered national attention on Foxnews, and after a call for an apology by Democrat Representative Nita Lowey, NBC's VP for late night programming, Doug Vaughan, sent a letter ofapology noting that Fallon's band had been "severely reprimanded." For their part, Fallon's band said the song choice was "tongue-in-cheek," but they don't appear to be apologizing. Nor do they appear to have been fired, either.
Is America going to have to bring in the Russian media to cover the Presidential campaigns in place of America's mainstream media to have professional, balanced and unbiased coverage?
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