Embarrassment for NBC News after Lester Holt apparently falls for North Korean propaganda

Fox News ^ | 2018/01/24 | Brian Flood

[TigerLikesRooster]

Embarrassment for NBC News after Lester Holt apparently falls for North Korean propaganda

By Brian Flood

NBC News is reeling after “Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt appears to have been badly fooled by North Korean propagandists -- giving a cheery report from a ski resort in the Hermit Kingdom that looked to be bustling when it was widely known to actually be a ghost town.

Holt -- who returned early from North Korea after scathing reviews -- reported for “Nightly News” from the Masikryong ski resort on Monday, a facility that is the brainchild of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and is typically empty. The resort, built to create the appearance of a prosperous nation, was largely deserted during peak 2017 ski season, according to multiple reports.

But for Holt’s appearance, the North Korean government appears to have brought in skiers — wearing identical outfits — and staged the scene, something Holt did not appear to realize.

The resort is a “source of immense pride for a country trying to present a new and modern face to the world,” Holt said during his report.

NBC News did not respond to requests for comment as to whether Holt’s unexpectedly early departure from North Korea was related to the embarrassing ski resort snafu. But inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NBC’s more seasoned journalists were cringing.

“Who produced this garbage?” asked an NBC insider. “It is field producing 101 -- don’t do a standup somewhere that’s been staged by a dictatorial regime.”

[PGR88]

NBC just went to practice their propaganda skills with real experts.

[The Antiyuppie]

“NBC just went to practice their propaganda skills with real experts.”

Hmmm. Makes sense.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Well, Madeleine Albright or an army of foggy bottom creatures are no better than this moron. A sad testament to so-called foreign policy establishment.

[conservative98]

Lester Holt should be fired and hired by shortwave radio.

[Paladin2]

Less Holt, turn him down to -1.

[TigerLikesRooster]

He should sign up for Radio Pyongyang, broadcasting coded numbers to N. Korean agents overseas.

[Steely Tom]

I don’t think Lester Holt was hired for his mental performance level.

[KarlInOhio]

“Who produced this garbage?” asked an NBC insider. “It is field producing 101 -- don’t do a standup somewhere that’s been staged by a dictatorial regime.”

Why stop now? NBC and its owned networks had been doing it here January 2009 through January 2017.

[SpaceBar]

Hillary’s question feeder ain’t too bright.

[Dogbert41]

After it was so obvious he was in cahoots with Hillary during that debate...

Trump should have revoked his passport while he was in North Korea.

[JudgemAll]

Did he fall for it or did he outright orchestrate it for the Norks?

[TigerLikesRooster]

Maybe it fit the narrative he wanted to peddle, so he didn't care if it was staged or not.

[tumblindice]

4/18/1865 Moses Lester Holt reporting. Ford’s Theater
“The crowd seemed to enjoy themselves and ‘Our American Cousin’ despite a disruption that briefly delayed the show. Back to you Jedediah”

[Getready]

Poh tem kin anyone?

[knighthawk]

He didn’t fall for it, he went along with it because he really wants to believe this is all true.

[roadcat]

Did he fall for it or did he outright orchestrate it for the Norks?

Viewers observe norks falling down in the background, obviously not skilled with skis. And despite the staged crowds of skiers, none to be seen on the slopes. Very staged event.

[T-Bird45]

“Who produced this garbage?” asked an NBC insider. “It is field producing 101 -- don’t do a standup somewhere that’s been staged by a dictatorial regime.”

Besides, CNN has already BTDT in Iraq War I so they weren't plowing any new journalistic field anyway...no Peabody award there...

[LibWhacker]

Dumb as a rock. NBC has a record of hiring them.

[SpaceBar]

Repressive dictatorships depend on tools like Holt.