XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX WED AUGUST 13, 2003 12:05:38 ET XXXXX
O'REILLY LOBBIED FOR LAWSUIT
**Exclusive**
FOX NEWS star Bill O'Reilly lobbied his network to file suit against author Al Franken and his upcoming book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right," top sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
"For Bill, above all other things, this was a matter of honor and support," a top source explained from New York.
MORE
In his book, Franken directly challenges O'Reilly on his journalistic record and aggressively accuses cable's top-rated host of exaggeration, padding of his resume and other claims.
"He is not going to sit by and let Franken smear the hell out of him," a top FOX source said.
The lawsuit does not directly address the content of the book on charges of libel, rather it claims Fox has trademarked "Fair and Balanced" to describe its news coverage and that Mr. Franken's use of the phrase would "blur and tarnish" it.
MORE
-----------------------------------------------------------
Filed By Matt Drudge
Reports are moved when circumstances warrant
http://www.drudgereportArchives.com for updates
(c)DRUDGE REPORT 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author
The Drudge Report does not own, operate or maintain DrudgeReportArchives.com and is not responsible for it in any way.