Chung, CBS and a Whispering Mom

Connie Chung and CBS have received much-deserved criticism for her interview with Newt Gingrich’s mother (“CBS Defends Airing Chung Interview Despite Criticism,” Jan. 6). It is not very shocking that the congressman might have told his mother his opinion of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, but what is shocking is that Chung betrayed her source and that CBS gave advance publicity of the information. This shady action has proved counterproductive. Chung only exposed her liberal bias in her efforts to “get” Newt Gingrich and demonstrated how frustrated many of the “Cadillac Liberals” in the news media are over their rejection by the electorate.

The winner in this episode was the public, which once again was made aware that the media has lost much of its influence and credibility due to biased behavior.

LLOYD B. STEELE

Orange

CBS has hit a new low by airing the remark (whispered but very audible) that Connie Chung managed to get out of Newt Gingrich’s mother.

CBS went a step lower (if possible) by airing the remark again (in front of Gingrich) on its morning program Jan. 4.

The new House Speaker says his parents are just ordinary people who are proud of their son. He said his father even baked a cake for the people filming the interview.

KENNETH R. BENNETT

Laguna Hills

Chung’s defense and excuse are disingenuous in the extreme. The media reveals itself again as being frequently devoid of ethical standards, taste or manners.

PAUL S. McCAIG

Dana Point