I've discovered a sound even worse than nails dragging across a chalkboard. The truth is that two conservative, politically active sponsors ADM and General Electric have long dominated TV pundit programming, often determining which shows and pundits get on the air. Needless to say, ADM and GE are not charities. They're profit-driven corporations. When they invest money in news and pundit broadcasts, they expect a return on that investment.
Some researchers believe they are buying silence.
Viewers have reason to question whether sponsors buy silence on the weekend pundit shows. Through major donations to both parties, companies like ADM and GE seek a narrow political debate that won't impede environmental waivers, tax breaks or subsidies. And through major sponsorship of TV and radio programming, these firms seek a narrow media debate that leaves out tough scrutiny of corporate influence over the political process. Jeff Cohen is the founder of FAIR and co-author of Wizards of Media Oz.