"The idea that most people discriminate between so-called serious -- or what some might call boring -- media and the softer Larry King-Oprah Winfrey stuff, isn't true," said Carrick.
"Most people consider what they see on those programs as just information. Most people today are suspicious of institutional filters, including so-called serious journalism. They think they're getting direct access through Larry and Oprah, and, in fact, they think that information is more valid than having reporters tell them what Arnold did or did not say.
"These programs are advantageous to him not only in the sense that he doesn't have to answer hard questions, but also in the sense that their audience doesn't care."
Steinberg faults the conventional political press for not finding more aggressive ways to pose tough questions. He pointed out that while most of the candidates were debating in Hollywood this week, Schwarzenegger was virtually across the street taping Larry King's show at CNN's Sunset Boulevard studios.
"None of the reporters and camera crews there for the debate even bothered to go across the street and hassle him with shouted questions," Steinberg said.
"Schwarzenegger's strategy requires a docile news media, and he's getting one."
