The network morning shows on Monday hyped the "extra spectacular" gay pride parades in the wake of New York's newly passed same sex marriage legislation. Both ABC and NBC highlighted the "hero's welcome" Governor Andrew Cuomo received after signing the bill. At the same time, they ignored dissenters.
On Monday's Today, news anchor Natalie Morales touted, "Gay pride parades around the country turned into victory laps..." and added, "Gay and lesbian couples spoke about finally realizing their decades-long dream of walking down the aisle."
Reporter Mara Schiavocampo openly opined, "This year's parade isn't just a celebration of pride, but for the first time, equality."
Morales also used the non-neutral phrase of "marriage equality," rather than gay marriage. The network graphic subjectively explained, "Pride and Equality; New York Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage Bill." Schiavocampo extolled the "hero's welcome" that Cuomo recieved.
In a 29 second anchor brief, news reader Josh Elliot managed to include several loaded terms. He proclaimed, "And New York City's gay pride parade was extra spectacular on the weekend, thanks to the state's well-timed legalization of same-sex marriage."
Mimicking NBC's Morales, Elliott continued, "Governor Andrew Cuomo was hailed as a hero for signing the bill. The landmark law doubles the number of gay people nationwide who are now eligible to marry."
CBS's Early Show on Monday only referenced the gay marriage ruling in passing during a Michele Bachmann segment.
Over the weekend, the network coverage offered a similar tone, but offered a few snippets from the opposition (unlike on Monday).
On Saturday's Nightly News, Peter Alexander at least acknowledged that there was a dissenting opinion: "The new law is not without its opponents, including New York's Catholic Archbishop Tim Dolan, who said in a statement he was 'deeply disappointed and troubled' by a measure that will "alter radically and forever humanity's historic understanding of marriage."
During Sunday's Nightly News, correspondent Schiavocampo enthused, "Many here say this year's parade isn't just a celebration of pride, but, for the first time, equality."
On Saturday's good Morning America, reporter Dan Harris allowed that the whole issue is controversial, referring to it as "divisive." Archbishop Dolan's comments were also highlighted.
A transcript of the GMA and Today segments can be found below:
GMA
06/27/11
8:02
...
JOSH ELLIOTT: And New York City's gay pride parade was extra spectacular on the weekend, thanks to the state's well-timed legalization of same-sex marriage. Governor Andrew Cuomo was hailed as a hero for signing the bill. The landmark law doubles the number of gay people nationwide who are now eligible to marry. Pride celebrations across the country were equally festive, even in Chicago, despite a rocky start. Vandals slashed the tires of 51 parade floats, but the show did go on.
Today
06/27/11
7:15AM
NATALIE MORALES: Gay pride parades around the country turned into victory laps, especially right here in New York City on Sunday, where revelers celebrated New York becoming the sixth and largest state to legalize same-sex marriage. Gay and lesbian couples spoke about finally realizing their decades-long dream of walking down the aisle. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was cheered at the celebrations and called for nationwide marriage equality.
8:02AM
NATALIE MORALES: The countdown to same-sex weddings is now under way in New York State, where the law signed Friday goes into effect next month. NBC's Mara Schiavocampo reports on this social and political milestone.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Pride and Equality; New York Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage Bill]
MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO: At New York City's annual gay pride parade, a hero's welcome for Governor Andrew Cuomo. Just days after signing a same-sex marriage bill into law, a huge political victory for the Governor, making New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
ANDREW CUOMO: I was so proud and honored to be the governor of this state signing this law into effect.
SCHIAVOCAMPO: This year's parade isn't just a celebration of pride, but for the first time, equality.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: We've never been able to enjoy the rights that are afforded to married people.
SCHIAVOCAMPO: But long after the initial jubilation ends, New York's business owners will still be celebrating. New York is already one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The city estimates the new law will bring more than $180 million to the state in the next three years. 41 states have specifically banned same-sex marriage. But national polls show support is steadily increasing and for the first time ever, opposition has fallen below 50%. A new reason to celebrate, turning an annual march into a wedding party. For Today, Mara Schiavocampo, NBC News, New York.
— Scott Whitlock is the senior news analyst for the Media Research Center. Click here [1] to follow him on Twitter.