The following quote comes from Murrow’s speech given to the Radio and Television News Directors Association, at the beginning and the end of the film. Read his address carefully and offer a short summary of what you believe he is saying.
Do you agree or disagree with his sentiments? Based on this speech, what do you believe Murrow would say about television today? Would he be pleased or dismayed?
Compare the transition from radio to TV in Murrow's time, to the advent of the internet in our own. Has it improved the flow of information and education, or is it too merely "a box of wires and lights?"
Support your answers. This response should address all three points clearly and sufficiently for full credit.
“Let us dream to the extent of saying that on a given Sunday night the time normally occupied by Ed Sullivan is given over to a clinical survey of the state of American education, and a week or two later the time normally used by Steve Allen is devoted to a thoroughgoing study of American policy in the Middle East. Would the corporate image of their respective sponsors be damaged? Would the stockholders rise up in their wrath and complain? Would anything happen other than that a few million people would have received a little illumination on subjects that may well determine the future of this country, and therefore the future of the corporations? To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. Good night, and good luck.”
1 comment:
Do you agree or disagree with his sentiments? Based on this speech, what do you believe Murrow would say about television today? Would he be pleased or dismayed?
I agree with Murrow 100%. Television is what we make out of it. It can certainly inform and illuminate people but it can poison people as well. Based on this speech, i think Murrow would be very displeased with television today. I don't believe he would like it at all. Television has certainly come along way. It went from being in black and white with only a few channels to having a variety of channels to choose from and even shows that you can order now for your entertainment. Television has become more and more corrupted each day. Murrow would certainly be displeased.
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