Letter to Sheppard Smith of Fox News - 9.19.2007.1

As my daily readers are aware, I have been commenting on aspects of the current OJ Simpson allegations for several days. Some of the more consistent items I have mentioned about this has been the presumption of guilt expressed by the media, the implied and stated expressions of joy by news commentators, and the lack of attention on items I have felt were more deserving of at least part of the time that has and continues to be dedicated to coverage of OJ. Several of these items are far more expansive than merely the OJ case, and are factors I believe have been consistently biased in the media for some time.

One individual I have directly quoted several times and discussed the emotional expressiveness about is Mr. Sheppard Smith of Fox News. His apparent glee has stuck out among most in the major news media and I have noted it. I will say that this is not the first time I have taken umbrage with the reporting of Mr. Smith, or others at Fox News. I must also note that there have been several news stories that only Mr. Smith has covered, and his emotional outrage, or joy, has been a mirror of my own feelings.

Given these facts, on reflection I felt it is only fair that I provide Mr. Sheppard Smith an opportunity to respond to some of my comments about his responses and choices, both recently and in the past. I am including a verbatim copy of my email letter to Mr. Smith, and will provide a verbatim response from him, or Fox News, when received.

My letter is as follows:

Mr. Sheppard Smith,

I am a daily viewer of Fox News and am familiar with your reporting on Studio B and in the evening report. I am also a blogger for several blogs including several that deal directly with entertainment, the news media, and current events. It is because of these blogs and my most recent comments on your reporting that I am writing this letter.

I want to make you aware that this letter will be reproduced verbatim on my Black Entertainment USA (blackentertainmentblog.com) site. My corporation, websites and blogs, and I have no affiliation with any political party or political organization. Any response from you and/or Fox News will also be published verbatim.

My purpose is to give you the opportunity to respond to the comments I have made in reference to the coverage of the OJ Simpson allegations and the lack of coverage on several other recent news events. I understand that you are not solely responsible for the news that you cover, but your apparent choices and actions have led me to quote you on several occasions and see you as a surrogate for most news media coverage of late.

I have noted that on Friday, September 15th – the first day of news about trouble for OJ in Las Vegas – you were what I would describe as gleeful, bubbly and pleased by this news. On Monday and Tuesday since, you have made several comments indicating your pleasure at the distress of OJ. I would like to understand why your reaction to that breaking news was such?

Continued in part 2...