»» Columnists

Former WHCA Pres. Ed Chen Calls Fox News Seat ‘A Travesty,’ WHCA Responds

by Tommy Christopher | 5:16 pm, August 24th, 2010

» 44 comments

According to an exclusive Media Matters report, former White House Correspondents Association President Ed Chen is speaking out over the WHCA’s decision to move Fox News to the front row of the Brady Briefing Room, calling it “a travesty.” Chen’s comments come on the heels of Media Matters’ call to have the seat rescinded in light of News Corp.’s $1 million donation to the Republican Governors Association.

However, there are several mischaracterizations in Media Matters’ report, and the WHCA is standing by its decision.

Chen, who was with front row front-runner Bloomberg when the vacancy occurred, framed his objection in the context of Helen Thomas‘ sudden, controversial departure:

A former Bloomberg White House reporter now with the National Resources Defense Council, Chen said giving Fox the coveted former seat of Helen Thomas brought too much conflict to the seat.

“The vacancy was created because of an ideological conflict,” he said, referring to Thomas’ anti-Israel comments that led to her resignation. “To fill the vacancy with another cloud of ideological conflict was most unfortunate and inappropriate.”

…”You had Helen go out on this conflict over politics and a question of fairness,” Chen said. “You fill the seat with someone who drags in all of this controversy.”

While Helen was also not happy with the move, it is important to note that Fox News does not occupy Helen’s former seat. That honor went to the Associated Press, with Fox moving up to the old AP seat (this is also noted in the meeting minutes, included in Media Matters’ report). This is a misconception that has been repeated elsewhere in the media, and it makes a difference. This was a scenario that I suggested in June to forestall the kind of hard feelings that could have resulted from gloating on the part of Fox News’ more ideological personalities (as opposed to the network’s objective White House team).

Additionally, Media Matters reports that “no vote was taken,” which may be technically true, but gives the impression that there was controversy among board members. When the announcement was made, WHCA President-elect Ed Henry tweeted, “In unanimous vote, FOX moves to front row seat formerly held by AP.”

According to a WHCA source, this was Ed’s interpretation of the meeting, since no one on the board objected to any of the changes. In fact, the decision not to hold a vote was made to avoid a Bloomberg shut-out that would not have reflected how close the decision actually was.

Current WHCA President David Jackson stands by the board’s decision, telling Mediaite, “The board did what we thought was right. These were all close, hard decision, on all the seating moves, not just the front row.”

While Chen may have a broad point about the way this decision looks, he’s really comparing apples to oranges. Fox is not taking Helen’s seat, and while the RGA donation raises legitimate questions about News Corp., there is no evidence that the network’s White House team is anything but professional and objective. Finally, Media Matters and Chen ignore the fact that News Corp. holdings actually occupy four different seats in the briefing room. Is the WHCA supposed to revoke all of them?

Associated Press, David Jackson, Ed Chen, Ed Henry, fox news, Helen Thomas, Media Matters, WHCA, White House Correspondents Association

NORBIT

What did they want to make sure they filled the Thomas seat with another Raving, Ranting Anti-Semite? – or perhaps a Christian-Hating Professional Left newschannel would be easier to find?

To paraphrase Sen. Reid:

I DON’T KNOW HOW ANY JEW OR CHRISTIAN CAN VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT!
Spread the Word!

11-02-10 — Freedom Day!!
Moderate

“there are several mischaracterizations in Media Matters’ report,”

What is so unusual about that? It is the way they do things.
notsofast

Ed who?
murf

The seat belonged to an Anti-Semetic , non-objective partisan leftist , and their whining about FNC getting the seat ?
http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

Did you expect Media Matters to tell the truth?
Big Eddie

MAJOR STORY ! STOP THE PRESSES !
NORBIT

What stands a better chance of happening?

1) Joe gets named Olbermann’s worst person tonight…

– or -

2) The Professional Left JournOlists of the network media UNDER-REPORT the crowd Totals at Beck’s MLK Gathering?
TfT

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy.

Why do you say this: while the RGA donation raises legitimate questions about News Corp?????

How about Disney donations? GE donations? VIACOM donations?

Please Tommy; there is NO legitimacy to the RGA donation, except of course in the minds of liberal loons.

Typical BS regarding FNC. Just because they kick their competition to the curb because they report FAIR AND BALANCED and the other do NO SUCH THING (except rarely, as Tommy or Colby mentioned the other day about Mourning Joe having one each of each party on to discuss a topic; something FNC does DAILY).

Really, Media Matters needs to be ignored; as moderate points out — media matters mischaracterizes on a regular basis.
lanquihue

TC: “However, there are several mischaracterizations in Media Matters’ report…”

Wow, really? What a shock. By the way, TC, I noticed Juan Williams inferring on Fox News on Sunday that people who don’t like Obama are racist. What’s your tally so far?
Mr B

I couldn’t make it past “exclusive mediamatters report” without busting into laughter.
Some_Dude

He brings up a good point, regarding the needless controversy. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter, and will be forgotten about soon. What row Fox is in doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’re still allowed to broadcast calling themselves a “news source” without a disclaimer.
Big Eddie

Is this Christopher mug really Jimmy Olson ?
lonestar77

Blah, blah, blah. Yeah, we know the left-wing media doesn’t like FNC . You could write this same story everyday with a different spin. The MSM is made up of left-wing hacks. They don’t like the fact that they no longer control all the information that goes out to the public. Therefore, they hate Fox News. I think we all get it by now.
MichelleF

lanquihue says:
Wow, really? What a shock. By the way, TC, I noticed Juan Williams inferring on Fox News on Sunday that people who don’t like Obama are racist. What’s your tally so far?

And then there was Kirsten Powers article in the Daily Beast yesterday, entitled, “The GOP’s Long, Hot, Racist Summer”.

Tommy prefers to keep his head buried, whether it’s in the sand or perhaps up somewhere else, he doesn’t much care.
Tommy Christopher

Moderate said:
“there are several mischaracterizations in Media Matters’ report,”

What is so unusual about that? It is the way they do things.

It’s worth noting that the problematic portions of MMFA’s report are from their quoted sources, not the reporter himself. The report does go on to say that the AP got the center seat.
NORBIT

The Professional Left’s continued allegations against WHITE CHRISTIANS needs to be investigated as both RACIALLY-MOTIVATED & RELIGIUOSLY-BIGOTED!!

The biggest RACIST & BIGOTS come from the Professional Left!
NORBIT

Keep the mosque issue alive, & DEMAND every Democrat state their positions on the mosque location publicly!!!

This is almost as big a losing issue for the Dems as the economy, and the public, more and more,is beginning to question the MOTIVES of seemingly Anti-Christian Democrats!
(Stress the Anti-Christian Democrat narrative.)
TfT

Wasn’t Ed Chen’s name on the list of those members of jourNOlist who have been revealed to date?
roxsteady

While you’re fixated on who’s seat fox has, make no mistake, they are in the front row and that’s the problem. As for people like Garrett, he reguarly takes bullshit talking points that begin on his network’s shows and brings them to the White House when he asks questions from those monons on his network. The more so called legitimate media refuse to call them what they are, dumber and less professional you all look. Go back to asking questions about whether the President is a Muslim, or does he go to church often enough, or why a social secretary is responsible for door security when the Secret Service are at the door with a list. It’s really why the White House Correspondents are laughed at. You’re well suited for that position.
newzmaker

Ever since GE, the parent company of MSNBC/NBC, received stimulus money from the Obama administration, I have felt really uncomfortable with Todd and Guthrie, being WH correspondents. There is a major conflict of interest, when a media outlet takes money from the White House. I’m quite surprised, also, that the WHCA hasn’t voted to ban MSNBC/NBC, from participating in the WH Press Corps. What I’m really thinking is happening, imo, since Obama took office, is that a number of minorities are finally revealing their pent-up frustrations with white Americans, having had so much control, financially and politically, in America. Personally, I believe all these pent-up frustrations will be capped, much like the BP oil spill, when the fringe left is kicked out of power. Since white Americans have control of the purse strings, in the US, venting should really remain behind closed doors. Nothing is really accomplished, by upsetting a bunch of old rich white guys. Just saying…
Patrick Henry

Big Eddie said:
Is this Christopher mug really Jimmy Olson ?

Big Eddie, glad to have you in the neighborhood. We need some tough guys to fight these libs.
JamesA1102

Mr. Christopher,

You’re really spinning very hard to make is seem that MM made “several mischaracterizations” that only expose your lack of journalistic intergity. First you fail to note that the MM report reprinted the minutes from the Aug. 1 WHCA board meeting in which the decision was made which clearly states that AP was moved to Helen Thomas’ seat and Fox was moved to the AP’s former front row seat.

Also, you state: Additionally, Media Matters reports that “no vote was taken,” which may be technically true, but gives the impression that there was controversy among board members.

But what MM reported was: Julie Mason, a reporter for the Washington Examiner and a WHCA board member, said no vote was taken and said that the board came to a consensus through discussion: “We like to agree among ourselves and there is lots of compromise and discussion. Especially when we deal with controversial things.”

So it was Ms. Mason who said it was controversial and they just quoted her. Also it was not just techically true that no vote was taken, it was what really happened as reflected by the minutes of the meeting which MM reprinted in their report. Now I find it interesting that you didn’t reprint any of the minutes in your article, prehaps because they don’t support the false narrative that you’re trying to construct.

Shame on you Dan Abrams for employing such a slipshod reporter who is obviously more driven by an agenda than by the fact.
notsofast

Tommy Christopher said:
The report does go on to say that the AP got the center seat.

The only seats the AP and MM have are on a toilet!
notsofast

Some_Dude said:
What matters is that they’re still allowed to broadcast calling themselves a “news source” without a disclaimer.

Kinda of like Barry calling himself a President without a disclaimer.
BatBoy

Another non-story by Tommy just to keep his guy pals at Media Matters in the news!

Tft … WHAT are you doing bringing things like this up…you know Tommy doesn’t like to discuss things like this…

TfT said:
Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. Why do you say this: while the RGA donation raises legitimate questions about News Corp?????

How about Disney donations? GE donations? VIACOM donations?

Please Tommy; there is NO legitimacy to the RGA donation, except of course in the minds of liberal loons.

Typical BS regarding FNC. Just because they kick their competition to the curb because they report FAIR AND BALANCED and the other do NO SUCH THING (except rarely, as Tommy or Colby mentioned the other day about Mourning Joe having one each of each party on to discuss a topic; something FNC does DAILY).

Really, Media Matters needs to be ignored; as moderate points out — media matters mischaracterizes on a regular basis.
Cecelia

http://amerpundit.com/2010/08/19/msnbc-parent-company-has-given-democrats-1-1-million-in-2010-cycle/

Follow the links on this site to get a bit of perspective, Tommy.
Cecelia

According to the site opensecrets.org, MSNBC parent company favors Democrats:

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000125

So does CNN:

http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000094&cycle=2010
http://www.facebook.com/people/Phil-Bourekas/1538058627 Phil Bourekas

In 2008, Murdoch made personal donations to Hillary Clinton. Did Media Matters denounce him for that?
Some_Dude

notsofast said:
Kinda of like Barry calling himself a President without a disclaimer.

I realize you’re being facetious, but he was elected. Therefore, he is the president. I don’t even……
newzmaker

Here’s a website which lists several media personalities and their campaign contributions, past and present. Murdoch, the businessman, covers all the bases.

http://www.newsmeat.com/billionaire_political_donations/Rupert_Murdoch.php
NORBIT

It’s an INSULT and DISGRACE the way Democrats use “African American Victimology” as their own personal POLITICAL PROP!

Meanwhile, if any black American dares to think in a way other than the Professional Left TELLS them how to think, they get a good old-fashioned Beat Down by the Democratic-supported SEIU!

…and they support those public union-thugs at SEIU with your Tax Dollars!!!
—————————————————————————————————

Constantly remind all the Free-Thinking Black Americans you know, how Democrats are EXPLOITING their race!
puck30

According to an exclusive Media Matters report,

Which means we really made this one up.
NORBIT

FOX breaking a devastating 2005 tape by Obama’s Ground Zero Imam – saying America has killed more innocent muslims than Al Queda!

Obama using YOUR TAX DOLLARS so this guy can FUND his “VICTORY MOSQUE” – named Cordoba, after the site where Spanish Christians were conquered by Muslims; and this is Obama’s “peace” czar!!!
———————————–
Gotta share these facts and get evryone out to vote 11-02-10!!
gar

With all the race darts being thrown by the left I’d like you to ask Ezra Klein how many members of Journolist were black out of the 400.
StandUp

notsofast said:
Kinda of like Barry calling himself a President without a disclaimer.

Damn that’s funny
The Real Royal King

In recent days, we have had FOX involved in a number of “scandals”, to-wit: (1) the Breitbart edited tapes and lies (2) the RGA “donation” (3) the non-coverage of the troop draw down (4) the ties/ownership of NewsCorp/FOX by a Saudi terrorism fiancier, with FOX’s condemnation of him and its failure to acknowledge the strong ties. I think it perfectly legitimate to ask whether FOX ought to retain its seat. It is most certainly not a news organization, is it?

MORE NEWS FOX WON’T COVER:

FOX’S QUEST FOR THOSE FINANCING TERROR,
OUGHT BEGIN WITH A LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
BIN TALAL AND KINGDOM HOLDING COMPANY
ARE OBVIOUS SOURCES OF THIS VILLANY.
The Real Royal King

Cecelia said:
http://amerpundit.com/2010/08/19/msnbc-parent-company-has-given-democrats-1-1-million-in-2010-cycle/ Follow the links on this site to get a bit of perspective, Tommy.

Yet one of the key premises of the Koldys’ PHOX Phan Klub, of which you are a charter member, is that MSNBC is inherently evil. And you want to hold PHOX to the same standard as MSNBC? Isn’t that rather like Calvin Klein aspiring to be as good as Fruit of the Loom in your very odd methodology?

MORE NEWS FOX WON’T COVER:

FOX’S QUEST FOR THOSE FINANCING TERROR,
OUGHT BEGIN WITH A LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
BIN TALAL AND KINGDOM HOLDING COMPANY
ARE OBVIOUS SOURCES OF THIS VILLANY.
NORBIT

The two most fearful words for Obama and his Marxist supporters – MARCO & RUBIO!!!
- he sparkles on TV – articulate, well-reasoned, even-tempered, appeal to hispanics…

FEAR for Democrats – MARCO RUBIO!
puck30

The King Oliver Crangle said:
T

And you want to hold PHOX to the same standard as MSNBC?

Judging by the ratings most people don’t hold MSNBC to any standards.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Mohr/1238588702 Scott Mohr

Oh come on Tommy TuTone. Call your favorite number 867-5309 and they might actually care about what you and Media Crap has to say. Now shut up and get your MESSiah picture out and do what you freaks do when looking at your MESSiah. CLICK!!!
Sean68

The front row of seats should be occupied by leftist automata and leftist automata only!
The Real Royal King

puck30 said:
And you want to hold PHOX to the same standard as MSNBC? Judging by the ratings most people don’t hold MSNBC to any standards.

You’re right about that. MSNBC doesn’t draw almost 1% of the American viewing public, like FOX does. But, I have a question. Is viewership determined at the start of the program or at the end? How many Beckerhead or O’Reilly viewers are alive when they climb into their Lift Chairs at the beginning of their shows, but not at the end? See, FOX may actually only be pulling 4/10ths of 1% when the shows are ending.

AT FOX “NEWS” WE SET OUT TO MULTI-TASK:
REPUBLICAN PR AND TERROR DOUGH.
BUT, HOW DARE YOU QUESTION, HOW DARE YOU ASK:
ON WHOM OUR FAVORS WE DEEM TO BESTOW?
Cecelia

The Real Royal King said:
Yet one of the key premises of the Koldys’ PHOX Phan Klub, of which you are a charter member, is that MSNBC is inherently evil. And you want to hold PHOX to the same standard as MSNBC? Isn’t that rather like Calvin Klein aspiring to be as good as Fruit of the Loom in your very odd methodology?

MORE NEWS FOX WON’T COVER:

FOX’S QUEST FOR THOSE FINANCING TERROR,
OUGHT BEGIN WITH A LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
BIN TALAL AND KINGDOM HOLDING COMPANY
ARE OBVIOUS SOURCES OF THIS VILLANY.

Well, no one at Johnny Dollar’s Place is ending everyone of their posts with odes against MSNBC, so you’re way ahead of sane adults…in making a cable outlet the gold standard of evil, Einstein…

I notice that you ignore the fact that CNN’s parent company Time Warner gave even more money to Democrats than did MSNBC.

BTW– You get anymore adolescent in your responses than you have the last several months and someone in your family will be taking you to an Alzheimer’s screening.
LaLydia

What a hypocrite this Chen is. No bias there, no siree. Edwin Chen was a BLOOMBERG reporter, remember Bloomberg News thought it should get the seat given to Fox.
And, Mr. Chen is either ill-informed or deliberately deceptive: The parent companies of six major media outlets have all donated anywhere from five to seven figures to political organizations during the 2010 election cycle alone, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.

The corporations include: News Corp. (Fox News Channel, FX, FUEL TV, others) General Electric (NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, USA, Bravo, others) National Amusements (CBS Corp. and Viacom) Comcast Corp. (G4, E!, others) Time Warner (CNN, TBS, Cinemax, TNT, Warner Bros./CW, others) Walt Disney Co. (ABC, ESPN, others)

These organizations have — either through corporate treasuries, sponsored political action committees or both — donated almost $7 million to political action committees and so-called “527 committees” during 2009 and 2010 and nearly $38 million since the 1990 election cycle.

These figures do not reflect additional money donated by individuals who work for the companies. YET CHIN IS NOT questioning their legitimacy.