The Fine Art of Political Classification

How CPB chairman Ken Tomlinson and consultant Fred Mann went about investigating bias in public broadcasting, according to the Los Angeles Times:

Many interview subjects—including Republicans—were classified as liberal because they questioned White House policies….

In one report, [Mann] labeled former Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.) as opposed to the administration for his criticism that the Patriot Act violated civil liberties. Radio host and former San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock was listed as "anti-Bush" for saying the military was underpaid. Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) was tagged "liberal" for an interview with Smiley in which he criticized White House policy in Iraq….

Half a dozen reporters drew scrutiny as well. Associated Press President Tom Curley was listed in a chart as "liberal/Democrat" and under "oppose administration" for discussing whether there was a need for more government openness…

Whole thing here. The Mann Report itself is here. For Reason's reactions to the CPB wars, go here, here, and here.