News Control

The fastest way to get your name in the paper is to try to keep it out. -- Pug Mahoney

   The president struck a new low in pettiness when he called for a consumer boycott over what he perceives as unsympathetic news coverage.
   Specifically, while on a state visit to London, he was unable to tune in to his favorite station -- the Fox news operation, unavailable in England -- and had to settle for CNN International.
   Result: He tweeted a call for Americans to boycott AT&T (which owns CNN) to force the company to change its coverage of presidential activities.
   Note that Fox commentators are avid supporters of the president, while many of the CNN commentators are not.
   Otherwise, CNN's news coverage tends to the non-partisan center even as its commentators are liberal, and often opponents of the president. Moreover, in the Fox operation, there are real journalists who report straightforward information, as well as commentators with their strong pro-presidential views.
   For a government official, especially a president, to urge a consumer boycott of a news operation because he dislikes their coverage is beyond outrageous. It is also unconstitutional and actually downright stupid.
   Why? Because reporters will only sharpen their pencils and delve even further into reports of presidential misbehavior. The fastest way to get your name in the paper is to try to keep it out.