Entertainment
Rieder: Why the Bill O’Reilly Flap Matters

In this Oct. 28, 2013 file photo, political commentator Bill O’Reilly attends the National Geographic Channel’s “Killing Kennedy” world premiere screening reception at The Newseum, in Washington. (Paul Morigi/Invision/AP)
(USA Today) – So is this flap over whether Bill O’Reilly set foot in a “war zone” in an obscure conflict many years ago that hardly anyone remembers worth all this attention?
There is a school of thought that would answer the question with an emphatic “no.”
According to this point of view, O’Reilly is a talk show host with a clearly defined point of view, not a true journalist. He shouldn’t be held to the same standards as someone like embattled NBC anchor Brian Williams, whose embellished claims about his own “war zone” experiences netted him a six-month suspension without pay. Besides. does Fox News, where O’Reilly works his magic, have any credibility anyway?
Then there’s the argument that the flap simply plays into the hands of O’Reilly and Fox. Their very successful brands rest in part on the notion that that they are the counterweight to that dreaded liberal media, which simply can’t be trusted. Their base is unlikely to be troubled by the controversy and may even be fired up by it.
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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
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Bo Tefu
Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with the nonprofit organization Visit California, announced that tourism spending in California reached a record $157.3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the state’s status as the top travel destination in the United States.
The Governor made the announcement May 5, referencing Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, which highlights a 3% increase in tourism revenue over the previous year.
According to the report, California’s tourism sector supported 1.2 million jobs, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues, and created 24,000 new jobs in 2024.
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”
Despite the gains in tourism revenue, Visit California’s revised 2025 forecast points to a 1% decline in total visitation and a 9.2% decrease in international travel. The downturn is attributed to federal economic policy and what officials are calling an impending “Trump Slump,” caused by waning global interest in traveling to the United States.
To offset projected losses, the Governor is encouraging Californians to continue traveling within the state and has launched a new campaign aimed at Canadian travelers.
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