(Image source: Comedy Central)

BY KYRSTEN SKULBORSTAD
 

OPRAH WINFREY: “Stephen. Stephen.”

COLBERT: “What?”

OPRAH WINFREY: “Hi Stephen.”

JON STEWART: “Yes, yes!”

OPRAH WINFREY: “‘Daily show’ audience, look under your seats.”

STEWART, COLBERT: “Look under your seats. What's under there?”

OPRAH WINFREY: “You’re going to the rally! You’re going to the rally! You’re going to the rally!” (MSNBC/Comedy Central)


But not everyone is going to the Stewart/Colbert rally.

On Wednesday, NPR banned its staffers from attending the October 30th event. Poynter Online has the memo from NPR’s Chief Executive and Senior Vice President for News.


“...you should be very mindful that you represent the organization ... NPR journalists may not participate in marches and rallies involving causes or issues that NPR covers ...”

And NPR isn’t the only news organization sorting through the ethics. The Huffington Post put together a montage news media rally regulations -- or lack thereof. Here are a few:

The Associated Press says, "Our standards speak for themselves. Most AP reporters would know not to attend..."

The Wall Street Journal notes, "We expect our people to exercise good judgement regarding whether attending poses a conflict or the appearance of one."

And The Daily Caller says, "Our reporters don't need mommy and daddy's permission to go to the zoo."

So, why all the qualms? Especially as there was no memo for Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor rally, or the liberal One Nation event?

NewsBusters reports NPR’s senior vice president’s response to the criticism.

“It was obvious to everyone that these were overtly political events. ... It's different with the Colbert and Stewart rallies; they are ambiguous. ... As such, they are off limits except for those covering the events."

But Rallymao tries to define the rally for anyone confused:

“It’s like Woodstock, except it’s going to be everywhere, and without the mud.”

According to The New York Times, international locations include London, Melbourne, and “base camp” at Mt. Everest, in Nepal. And one more studio audience is set to reap the benefits of a free ticket. Ever the one-upper, here’s Colbert.

STEPHEN COLBERT: “My grandfather had a saying: [ bleep ] Oprah. I'm your Oprah! Look underneath your chairs! I am bringing this studio audience to my march. You're going to the march! And you're going to the march! And you're going to the march! Everybody is going to my march. Whoo!”

So, what do you think all the media fuss is about?


Get more multi-source news analysis from Newsy.com.