Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 11:29:19 -0400
From: "Michael Walsh" <MJW at mail.press.jhu.edu>
To: <wsfalist at keithlynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Hands not talking to each other?
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

So there's this:

"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/maablbLaaZMoFa4fqn8b/ "

And then, from the same source (Publishers Lunch), there's this:

Fox is going forward with an animated pilot based on Aaron McGruder
and Reggie Hudlin's comic strip (and books) THE BOONDOCKS, and a
film version is in development as well.
Variety report
http://click.email-publisher.com/maablbLaaZMoIa4fqn8b/

Granted the first item is in regards to various infringement claims, but =
Boondocks on Fox seems to be, atleast politically, an odd place for it.

It is a strange universe.

mjw