Why the big difference in the way their networks have responded to the lies that Brian Williams told about his war experience and those Bill O'Reilly told about his war experience?
Both make a lot of money for their networks. Both were embellishing the truth to make themselves look like heroes who had been in dangerous combat situations.
Williams quickly admitted his error and apologized, taking full responsibility. O'Reilly has only blathered and threatened his accuser. However, the important difference is clear:
Williams was an NBC News anchor from whom people expect to hear the truth. His credibility is one of his biggest assets and vital to the network.
O'Reilly is a Fox cable entertainer and what the New York Times called a "professional provocateur." Wild exaggeration and angry denunciations are part of his trade.
Or to put it simply: Everybody expects Bill O'Reilly to lie.
That's what the Fox network needs to own up to.
Ralph
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