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As Seen On TV

Koppel Gets New Gig, Slams American News

By Victor Balta
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:15:32 GMT

Ted Koppel Ted Koppel is back in the game, and the longtime newsman isn't shying away from making a splash in his return to TV news on BBC America. His new job comes in addition to his role as managing editor of the Discovery Channel, where he reports and produces long-form news documentaries.

Koppel joined the TV critics press tour, via satellite from New York, to talk about his new gig and he got off to a rocking start when asked what he was doing when he was approached by the cable network.

"I was off in a sleazy back alley, buying pornographic magazines," Koppel joked. Koppel said that since he was born in England, grew up there and ended up as an American journalist, his new job with "BBC World News America" is a natural fit.

Koppel quickly took aim at American news outlets when asked why viewers should tune into BBC America over CNN, FoxNews or MSNBC.

"I mean, BBC, period, still has more fine correspondents, I suspect, than all the other American networks put together," he said. "And, as you may know, my own background is that of a foreign correspondent, and I've been covering foreign affairs and diplomatic coverage from the State Department for many, many years. And the BBC, I think, has the deepest reporter core of foreign correspondents around the world, and I think anyone who's interested in what's going on around the world would do well to watch BBC America."

Reporters brought up Koppel's criticism of past presidential conventions and asked about his plans for covering this year's Republican and Democratic conventions.

"I did more than just express an opinion on that. In 1996, I walked out of the Republican Convention in San Diego, pointing out that it was really nothing much more than a picture show and there wasn't any news happening," Koppel recalled. "I don't think anyone can make that observation about this year. This has been one of the most remarkable political years we've ever seen. And even though we know who the candidates are going to be, I still think there will be news coming out of both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. So I will be delighted to report out of either or both."

*** What do you think? Is Koppel's criticism fair? Will you watch him on BBC America? Click here to comment!

****** Victor Balta and Tracy Phillips are blogging live from the TV critics press tour. What do you want to know about your favorite shows? Let us know. Click here to ask about your favorite TV shows!


More from the TV critics press tour:






Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 07-10-2008 01:24 PM

Comment

I agree with Mr.Koppel's comments about news outlets here in America. In the states, the reporters spend more time putting their spin on the news instead of giving more details & information about the news. Entertainers & sports figures get reported on more than the importants issues that affect everyday people . Next to the BBC News I watch PBS programing like Frontline, Bill Moyer & American Experience for honest news.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:06:01 GMT | tellingthetruth

Comment

I only wish that Mr. Koppel's new gig involved becoming Tim Russert's successor on Meet the Press. He would be a superb and fitting replacement. I know that he will thrive in his new appointment -- he's in a league of his own.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:21:17 GMT | Hippolytus

Comment

Absolutely fair. I hardly ever listen to our news. They should take lessons from BBC, no loud histrionics. BBC doesn't try to force the news down your throat but seems to just give the facts. I will form my own opinions, thank you very much.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:47:43 GMT | morebull

Comment

I totally agree with Ted Koppel about the state of American
journalists, at least the ones on cable like CNN and MSNBC.
They are more about making the news by distorting it than
reporting it. Also, the anchors make their personalities the focus
of the show rather than bringing a high level of reporting and
objectivity to their presentation of the news. For the most part,
all you get is sound bites lasting a few seconds, never any
in-depth reporting on issues. I listen to public radio to get
more complete and objective reporting.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:32:02 GMT | savvysenior

Comment

Other than Moyers, Lehrer and a few select others, there really are not any national journalists to be trusted on politics in America anymore. Even William F. Buckley in his last years became more about protecting brand image than about doing good for America.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:53:21 GMT | Panji

Comment

Mr. Koppel, now you have a place to sit and pretend that what you have to say really means something. You are safe with a viewership that really hates America and what it stands for. You have always belonged to these people in spirit if not in actuality

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:13:44 GMT | userfriendly

Comment

The Anerucan "news" media is simply a corporate-owned establishment that filters and alters the facts to fit the agenda of the corporatists and the neocons. They are experts at brainwashing and propaganda. It's amazing how many Americans buy this nonsense.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:21:13 GMT | Ariel1

Comment

You only have to listen to one BBC America broadcast to immediately realize its greater depth, scope, detail and objectivity of reporting of world news and events.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:32:06 GMT | Dark_Horse

Comment

What would one expect from the MSM!!! The BBC is just another extension with anti-American bias... I imagine the BBC is just sitting back while the Muslims take over their country!!!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:35:48 GMT | Tickedoff

Comment

I will wa tch Koppel anytime and anywhere just toher what he says. He is truthful and talks straight strait from the truth. Americn news for the most part , isdoes not give the entire dstories. they give the press's view or nothing at all. I am tired of hering about the celebreties lives.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:40:23 GMT | elda

Comment

Koppel's criticism of American news media is absolutely right on. American news organizations cannot be trusted to deliver objective content. The corporate consolidation of our media companies has compromised every outlet. It is indeed sad that our once great country had a news media with independence and integrity. It no longer does. I have watched BBC and I will watch BBC America. I listen to BBC Radio as well. It is clearly superior journalism.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:04:55 GMT | Duffydog

Comment

Koppel's criticism is warranted! Good luck to smart guy going to a great news company!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:36:55 GMT | vipvonni

Comment

American News is myopic, stilted and nothing more than titilating entertainment. World news? as far as the American media is concerned, if it didn't happen in the US or involve soldiers and marines, it is not news worthy of airing. The other world media presents world issues, not just that which is directly tied to their home country. It's not anti-American bias, they just present the facts and we don't like it because it exposes our warts.

I always enjoyed Ted Koppel's presentations and was sorry to see him leave Nightline. I will look forward to his future broadcasts.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:54:30 GMT | Carlos-L

Comment

I never watch BBC,I doubt I ever will

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:01:08 GMT | BRANDBURG

Comment

Most of us who grew up during a time when the news meant cross referencing sources and doing true investigative reporting have all but abandoned hope for non-biased reporting. The major agencies have all become world class yellow journalists with an undercurrent of obfuscated agendas and motivations. Carlos-L is right when he says, "if it didn't happen in the US or involve soldiers and marines, it is not news worthy of airing." Koppel is one of the last vestiges of a long abandoned era when reporters believed in themselves and in their own integrity. It would seem that the BBC was looking for a reporter rather than a corporate shill... This is more than novel... it is noteworthy.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:15:04 GMT | OldeSpy

Comment

Although I admire Mr. Koppel's abilities as a journalist he has become just one more example of someone who has taken advantage of the liberties and opportunities that living in the United States has to offer and once achieving greatness in his chosen career he has decided to, not just turn his back on the USA, but arrogantly believes his success is separate from the opportunity he was granted from living here.

If Mr. Koppel remained in England he would have become just another monotone BBC reporter with no opportunity for world recognition. You took the money from the American media for years Mr. Koppel and now you have the gull to jump on the anti-American bandwagon while knocking the American news media. Go home Mr. Koppel - You are the exact reason why this country is laboring in the foreign opinion polls - Our prominent citizens and public figures need to stand up and cheer this country's structure that permits immigrant dreams to become reality. You have become a part of the problem - I will not watch a second of your new opportunity.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:44:01 GMT | Michael_Dominic

Comment

I've had issues with the American news media for MANY years, as I feel it tends to run with the pack. HOWEVER, Ted Koppel has no doubt made a fortune off that same media tendency and I feel we're looking hypocrisy in the face when Mr. Koppel shows up. Furthermore, why do we think American media is what it is?

I personally opt for PBS news and straight BBC, not because either is infallible, but because they cast a wider net (i.e., Euro-centric) than American stations.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:01:36 GMT | deemee

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