Morning Shows Focus On Democrats, Conservative Watchdog Group Says

The major television network's morning news shows have devoted considerably more time to reporting on the Democratic candidates than they have on the Republican contenders, according to a conservative media watchdog group.

Morning shows on ABC, CBS and NBC devoted 284 campaign segments to Democratic candidates through the end of July, 152 to Republicans, and 81 stories on a possible independent run by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to the Alexandria, Va.-based Media Research Center.

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"There is no pretense of political balance. They are actively rooting for a Democratic victory next year, and they have the power to make a real difference," said Media Research Center founder L. Brent Bozell in a column appearing on the group's Web site.

"You've got a former first lady and a black senator fighting for the nomination," said Jim Bell, executive producer of NBC's "Today" show, according to AP. "That's historic. We're not going to make apologies for covering that."

Dumbazz