[lbo-talk] O'Reilly behind Fox suit

[Doug Henwood]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX WED AUGUST 13, 2003 12:05:38 ET XXXXX
O'REILLY LOBBIED FOR LAWSUIT
**Exclusive**
FOX NEWS star Bill O'Reilly lobbied his network to file suit against 
author Al Franken and his upcoming book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who 
Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right," top sources tell 
the DRUDGE REPORT.
"For Bill, above all other things, this was a matter of honor and 
support," a top source explained from New York.
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In his book, Franken directly challenges O'Reilly on his journalistic 
record and aggressively accuses cable's top-rated host of 
exaggeration, padding of his resume and other claims.
"He is not going to sit by and let Franken smear the hell out of 
him," a top FOX source said.
The lawsuit does not directly address the content of the book on 
charges of libel, rather it claims Fox has trademarked "Fair and 
Balanced" to describe its news coverage and that Mr. Franken's use of 
the phrase would "blur and tarnish" it.
Nearly a month before its release, the Franken work has rocketed and 
lodged itself at #1 on AMAZON's sales list.
Developing...