Fox News Channel doesn't know good journalism

The Fox News Channel has taken a snippet of an interview they filmed with rapper-actor LL Cool J (aka James Todd Smith), 42, in January 2008, and included it in their new special hosted by Sarah Palin titled, Real American Stories.

So, you may be thinking, "yeah, so what?" Well, the clip was filmed for something completely different, and Fox never asked LL or his camp permission to re-use it for this show.

On Tuesday, LL wrote the following on his Twitter: "Fox lifted an old interview I gave in 2008 to someone else & are misrepresenting to the public in order to promote Sarah Palins show. WOW."

LL Cool J's spokesperson, Rhett Usry, commented yesterday by saying, "Contrary to what was reported, LL Cool J was never scheduled to be a guest on 'Real American Stories' with Sarah Palin this week. The show had planned to use an interview from 2008 that was being repurposed without LL's permission."

As a communications student, I know better than to take an interview I filmed with someone and attempt to pass it off by using it for a totally different segment. That's bad journalism. This could have not been an issue if they had asked for LL's permission to use the old interview, or rather film a new one to reflect the script they have for this new show.

Demonstrating professionalism and good public relations, LL's spokesman continued to address the issue by stating the following: "This statement is not a reflection of any feelings LL has toward Fox News or Ms. Palin, whom he has never met, rather a clarification of what we have seen published in the media."

Now, instead of responding back in a professional manner and apologizing for the mistake they have made, Fox News Channel responded by releasing a statement to media outlets. It said, "Real American Stories' features uplifting tales about overcoming adversity and we believe Mr. Smith's interview fits that criteria. However, as it appears that Mr. Smith does not want to be associated with a program that could serve as an inspiration to others, we are cutting his interview from the special and wish him the best with his fledgling acting career."

Uhh, ouch? And in the words of Stephanie Tanner (yeah, that's right), how rude! I mean, seriously? Does the Fox News Channel not have any tact at all? Besides an obvious lack in manners, they're quite wrong. LL is currently starring in the hit CBS series, NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as recent film roles in Last Holiday and S.W.A.T.

Also, note that the statement from Fox was released to media outlets and not to LL himself, as they clearly want any media attention they can get. Unfortunately, they're receiving the attention. This story is all over media sites right now, and I'm even blogging about it. Shoot - I'm giving them what they want.