Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: O'Reilly Update Morning Edition – January 13, 2026

Main Theme

In this brief morning edition, Bill O’Reilly critiques the Associated Press (AP) for what he perceives as biased coverage against the Trump administration. O’Reilly highlights concerns about news agency practices, specifically alleging that AP’s editorial choices and skepticism serve to undermine the administration indirectly, rather than through overt attacks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Influence and Reach of the Associated Press

O’Reilly opens by stating the AP is a significant global news provider:

"The Worldwide News agency sends thousands of stories to newspapers around the world, most of which print them with little scrutiny." (00:09)
He implies that most news outlets publish AP content without verifying it independently.

2. Claims of AP Bias Against the Trump Administration

According to O’Reilly, AP claims to be objective:

"AP executives will tell you they play it straight, seeking facts, rejecting spin. That is not true." (00:19)
He alleges their method of bias is through "story selection and deep skepticism," intended to cast the Trump administration in a negative light.

3. Recent AP-White House Conflict

O’Reilly references the AP’s exclusion from the White House:

"You may remember the AP was kicked out of the White House last year for slanting its coverage. They sued, but so far, the AP still looking through the window." (00:32)
He notes ongoing friction between the AP and the administration.

4. Case Example: Reporting on the Portland Shooting

O'Reilly cites a recent event in Portland, Oregon, where Border Patrol shot two suspects:

"After Border Patrol agents shot two criminal suspects in Portland, Oregon, last week, the government issued a statement saying the pair is suspected of a local shooting and are members of a violent Venezuelan gang. That is true..." (00:41)
He criticizes the AP for expressing skepticism in their report:

"...the AP would not accept reality and sent out a hard news report that said, quote, evidence has been cast on the administration's characterization of what prompted the shootings." (00:54)
O'Reilly sees this as an attempt to undermine the administration’s credibility.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On AP’s Self-Image vs. Reality:

"AP executives will tell you they play it straight, seeking facts, rejecting spin. That is not true." (00:19)
On Unquestioned Reach:

"The Worldwide News agency sends thousands of stories to newspapers around the world, most of which print them with little scrutiny." (00:09)
On Coverage of the Portland Incident:

"Clearly, the Associated Press sought to undermine the Trump administration in this case, and that is shameful." (01:02)

Timestamps of Important Segments

00:02 – Episode begins; O’Reilly announces the topic
00:09 – The Associated Press and its global influence
00:19 – O’Reilly alleges AP bias against the Trump administration
00:32 – Reference to AP’s expulsion from the White House
00:41 – Example: reporting on the Portland shooting
00:54 – AP’s skeptical coverage highlighted
01:02 – O’Reilly’s concluding assessment

Tone and Style

Bill O’Reilly’s tone is direct, skeptical of mainstream media, and critical of what he perceives as media bias—particularly from the Associated Press. He positions himself as defending "just facts" and transparency, characterizing the AP’s actions as "shameful" and contrary to journalistic objectivity.

This summary provides a comprehensive breakdown of the episode’s content and O’Reilly’s perspective for those who have not listened. The discussion highlights continuing tension between the media and the Trump administration, with an emphasis on media ethics and the influence of wire services like the AP.

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Transcript1 lines

[00:02]
A
Bill O'Reilly here, and I'm warming up. Standby for the O'Reilly Update Morning Edition on this Tuesday, the Associated Press is really becoming a problem. The Worldwide News agency sends thousands of stories to newspapers around the world, most of which print them with little scrutiny. AP executives will tell you they play it straight, seeking facts, rejecting spin. That is not true. The reality is the Associated Press wants to make the Trump administration look bad, not by directly attacking the president, but by story selection and deep skepticism. You may remember the AP was kicked out of the White House last year for slanting its coverage. They sued, but so far, the AP still looking through the window. And here's a vivid example of why. After Border Patrol agents shot two criminal suspects in Portland, Oregon, last week, the government issued a statement saying the pair is suspected of a local shooting and are members of a violent Venezuelan gang. That is true, but the AP would not accept reality and sent out a hard news report that said, quote, evidence has been cast on the administration's characterization of what prompted the shootings. Clearly, the Associated Press sought to undermine the Trump administration in this case, and that is shameful. Back in a moment. That is the Morning O'Reilly update. More analysis later on.