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Fox sues satirist Franken for ‘trademerk violation’; author’s book surges up bestseller list
MUMBAI: Tsk, tsk! Rupert Murdoch’s media platforms are masters at dishing it out, but are more than a tad touchy when on the receiving end.
Murdoch’s Fox News Network has filed a lawsuit against humorist Al Franken over what it claims are trademark violations for the use of the (rare and unique?) phrase “fair and balanced” on the cover of his upcoming book “Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.” What has got Fox’s goat is the tag line “a fair and balanced look at the right.”
Franken, who is reportedly on vacation in Italy, has already threatened a countersuit (more in jest looks like) and even thanked Fox for the free publicity. And thank Fox he should because about 24 hours before reports of the lawsuit hit the newsstands on Monday, Franken’s book, due out next month, ranked No. 489 in sales on Amazon.com. But by about 5 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, it had shot up to No. 4 and later in the day made it to No. 1 on the online retailer’s best seller list.
In the suit filed last Friday, Fox has said Franken flew into a rage near a table of Fox News personalities at a press correspondents’ dinner in April and acted “either intoxicated or deranged.” It said Franken has become “increasingly unfunny.”
In his retort Franken questioned the way he was described. “As far as the personal attacks go, when I read ‘intoxicated or deranged’ and ‘shrill and unstable’ in their complaint, I thought for a moment I was a Fox commentator,” Reuters quoted the liberal satirist as saying in a statement issued by his publishers Penguin.
“And by the way, a few months ago, I trademarked the word ‘funny.’ So when Fox calls me ‘unfunny’, they’re violating my trademark. I am seriously considering a countersuit,” Reuters quoted Franken as further saying.
Fox claims it registered the phrase “fair and balanced” in 1997 and that it was created as a specific alternative to the “liberal bias” in the American media.
Franken worked as a comedy writer in the 1970s and has appeared frequently on “Saturday Night Live.”
Fox has also stated in its suit that the use of the phrase was intended to confuse the public and boost book sales. Book sales have certainly been boosted, but whether it is because of the book title or Fox’s suit is open to debate.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
