Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

O'Reilly Update Morning Edition – December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brief morning segment, Bill O’Reilly discusses the origins and impact of "fake news" in American media, connects it to current media practices, and highlights how economic good news under President Trump is being largely ignored by mainstream outlets. The episode serves as a caution to listeners to distrust many media narratives and remain vigilant for bias, especially regarding coverage of economic issues.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Historical Roots of "Fake News"

• Benjamin Franklin's Involvement (00:08)
  • O'Reilly points out that fake news is not a modern phenomenon, tracing its roots back to Benjamin Franklin.
  • Quote: "Fake news was started by Benjamin Franklin. Bet you didn't. In 1782, he created a phony newspaper that pounded King George and the colonists who supported the king."
  • O'Reilly uses this anecdote to suggest that media manipulation is as old as the Republic itself.

Modern Media Tactics and Bias

• Media "Audacity" Compared to Historical Standards (00:24)

  • O’Reilly argues that Franklin would be surprised by today’s media because of its boldness and willingness to engage in overt bias.
  • Media is critiqued as being "audacious" in spinning stories and selectively reporting facts.

• Selective Reporting of Positive Economic Indicators (00:35 – 00:56)

  • O’Reilly highlights several key points of good economic news that are, in his view, underreported:
    • Gas prices: “Last week, the national average for a gallon of regular gas fell to $2.95, down 8 cents from last year and falling. ABC and NBC News failed to mention that.”
    • Mortgage rates: “Mortgage rates also falling, little notice by the press.”
    • Stock market: “The stock market is booming, helping most American investors gain financial ground.”
  • Suggests media outlets deliberately ignore stories that would show President Trump in a positive light.

Warning Against Media Disinformation

• Media Distrust and Its Consequences (01:13 – 01:26)
  • O’Reilly positions his observations as a warning to his audience.
    • Quote: “This is not boosterism for President Trump. It's simply a warning. Many good people are being misled by the American media and overall, the press cannot be trusted in this country.”
  • Warns listeners that the media is "not looking out for us," concluding that a lack of media credibility is a threat to the public’s access to honest information.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Did you know that fake news was started by Benjamin Franklin? Bet you didn't.” (00:08)
  — Bill O’Reilly, opening with a surprising fact.
• “Old Ben would be surprised at today's media, I believe, because it is so audacious.” (00:22)
  — Drawing a direct line from historical to contemporary media.
• “Not only does the liberal press spin stories that damage political opponents like President Trump, it also ignores important situations that may put the president in a favorable light.” (00:26)
  — Framing his core critique of modern media.
• “Those people are not looking out for us.” (01:25)
  — Emphasizing his warning to the audience.

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:08 – 00:27: Origins of fake news, Franklin story, introduction to media bias
• 00:28 – 00:58: Specific examples of favorable economic news allegedly ignored by major media
• 01:13 – 01:26: Direct warning about the media’s trustworthiness

Conclusion

In this morning update, O’Reilly critiques mainstream media for historical and ongoing bias, especially in relation to positive economic news under President Trump. He urges listeners to be skeptical and vigilant, painting the press as fundamentally untrustworthy and politically motivated.

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