Fox News seeks to suppress Franken book

[pynchonoid]

from:
Publishers Lunch
Tuesday, August 12


Fox Sues Penguin and Franken over "Fair and Balanced"
Fox News has sued the Penguin Group, claiming
trademark infringement in the 
subtitle of Al Franken‚s forthcoming book LIES AND THE
LYING LIARS WHO TELL 
THEM: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. The suit
also complains that the 
cover too closely resembles the look of Fox star Bill
O‚Reilly‚s books, saying 
the combination is "likely to cause confusion among
the public about whether 
Fox News has authorized or endorsed the book and about
whether Franken is 
affiliated with FNC." The Washington Post observes,
"They are referring, of 
course, to the large segment of the population that
still counts with its toes."

The NY Times calls the lawsuit "an unusually lively
document." Fox asserts that 
""Franken is neither a journalist nor a television
news personality. He is not 
a well-respected voice in American politics; rather,
he appears to be shrill 
and unstable. His views lack any serious depth or
insight."

Though it‚s not clear what it has to do with trademark
infringement, Fox also 
says that Franken was "either intoxicated or deranged"
when he attacked the 
network and O‚Reilly at an April press correspondents
dinner, and as many of 
you know, Franken sparred with O‚Reilly at the BEA as
well.

Dutton publicist Lisa Johnson said in a statement, "It
is extraordinary that 
one of the largest media corporations would take such
action. In trying to 
suppress Al Franken's book [Fox News Channel owner]
News Corporation 
is undermining the First Amendment principles that
protect all media, 
guaranteeing a free, open and vigorous debate of
public issues." A 
hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Washington Post coverage
http://click.email-publisher.com/maablbLaaZMoFa5kyATb/
NYT account
http://click.email-publisher.com/maablbLaaZMoGa5kyATb/


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