I almost wouldn’t have believed it…

if I didn’t see it myself. Here are two examples of how Fox Noose pushes the boundaries of journalistic integrity, beyond all recognition, and well into self-parody.

First, here’s a job listing from their very own job page (scroll down the linked page to view). I’ll paste the relevant bit:

Freelance Fact Writer

New York

Requirements/Responsibility:

FOX News Channel, a fast-paced 24-hour television news operation in New York City, is seeking a Freelance Fact Writer for its information center.

Responsibilities include writing on-air facts and press conference quotes for daytime programming. Individuals must have strong writing skills, be able to handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well in a team atmosphere. Excellent communication and writing skills are also required.

A successful candidate will:

• Possess a strong interest in news and be well-informed about current events
• Be detail oriented and pay close attention to spelling, grammar, syntax
• Have ability to write in a concise, conversational and colorful style at an extremely fast pace

Must be willing to work on a flexible schedule including weekend shifts.

This is a high-pressure position where your work product gets national exposure on a daily basis.

A bachelor’s degree is required.

That last bit takes the cake. Yes, we’d like someone who is college educated to make up our facts for us. Maybe they should ask for an M.F.A instead? I understand the quality of the fiction is much higher.

And while they’re at it, perhaps they can advertise for a few more caricature artists to make their perceived enemies look like Neanderthals. The current bunch hasn’t quite mastered the photoshop it so no one notices it’s photoshopped tutorial stage.

This morning on Fox & Friends, co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade called Jacques Steinberg’s June 28 New York Times article on Fox News’s declining ratings a “hit piece,” adding that Steinberg and Times editor Steven Reddicliffe are “attack dogs.” During the segment, Fox aired blatantly distorted photos of Steinberg and Reddicliffe with their teeth yellowed, eyes blackened, and facial features exaggerated:

It turns out, they’re trying to make the Librals all look like Karl Rove and Richard Nixon. Why dat?