We're big fans of media watchdog Media Matters for America, an organization which consistently and speedily uncovers and analyzes journalistic and media bias, along with providing myth-busting information and opinions. What we're not big fans of? The politicians and media figures who provide the content and context that keep the MMFA staff absurdly busy, 24/7--some figures much, much more so than others. This behavior we speak of includes the following:

• fear-mongering
• the spread of conservative misinformation
• intentional distortion of the real facts
• hate-mongering
• race-baiting
• blatant ignoring of logic and in many cases,
• straight-up lies

You get the idea. Unfortunately, so do a disturbingly large number of public figures, talking heads, politicians and bloggers who engage in this behavior to push their agenda.

There is an undeniable responsibility and level of accountability that comes with being a major media figure with a news show on a major television network. However, Glenn Beck leads the pack in spitting on such morale scruples, or subscribing to any of the facets of responsible journalism. Even sadder, his deep and poisonous "well of ridiculous" reaches millions of Americans each night, who tune into his Fox News show. Needless to say, Glenn Beck was a no-brainer for Media Matters' 2009 Misinformer of the Year.

Beck especially loves scaring the American public with baseless conspiracy theories and outlandish accusations towards our President and other public figures, as well as organizations and policies that attempt to stand up for working people. A few shining examples:

» Obama: calling the President a "racist" with "a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture."

» Healthcare: calling healthcare reform "socialism" and perpetuating outright lies to bolster his anti-reform position. These lies include Sarah Palin's false death panel smear and that under reform proposals, the uninsured would face time in jail. Beck also made statements such as "In the health care bill, we're now offering insurance for dogs."

» Economic stimulus: claiming "jobs are not being saved or created" and that the Obama administration is "creating the make-believe 'saved or created' category" for jobs.

» Labor unions: Spouting anti-union rhetoric such as: "If you want to clean up the schools, get rid of the unions." Beck also called SEIU President Andy Stern's efforts to address the need for labor to organize globally in a global economy the equivalent of pushing a "communist, Marxist propaganda."

Go ahead and message @glennbeck on Twitter to congratulate him on his very dubious honor, whydontcha. And if you've got any 'personal faves' on Glenn Beck perpetuated paranoia or misinformation, please share with us in the comments below.