"The news of the day as it reaches the newspaper office is an incredible medley of fact, propaganda, rumor, suspicion, clues, hopes, and fears, and the task of selecting and ordering that news is one of the truly sacred and priestly offices in a democracy." Walter Lippman
I believe what Walter Lippman is saying in the above quote is that the position of the people who disseminate information to the general public have great responsibility and privilege. Journalists must be able to make sense of the ocean of information they find and siphon the necessary and truthful from it. The bulk of the general public will make decisions based on what they read in the newspapers and magazines, hear on the radio, or watch on television. People must be able to rely on the information they are given.In a democratic society with the freedom of speech and press the public is fortunate to have the ability to hear multiple sides to each story and decide for themselves what is truthful and relevant. Journalists are charged with the responsibility to convey the information they gather accurately and in a way that is easy for people to digest. No side should be favored over another. Voters base their opinions and cast their ballots based on what they learn about candidates through the media.
With all of the information available on any given topic, it is a challenge to convey an objective stance. Journalists should always strive to disseminate accurate and objective information.
Good post. I think you displayed a good grasp of what Lippmann was attempting to convey. I think we do need to work on developing your personal voice in such posts, but that will come with time.
ReplyDeleteKeep at it.
Great post, Lee! I agree with a majority of what you said, although I think that in addition to discussing how the press gives the public "multiple sides to each story," you may also want to consider which news sources people choose to pay attention to and how they make that choice. If a person decides to get their daily dose of the news by watching MSNBC or Fox News, who is to blame for any political biases they develop--the viewer or the cable news channel/the journalists working for them? Just another view to consider.
ReplyDeleteHey Lee,
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great observation on what the role of a journalists is in the present day. This is a good contrast of what Lippman thought this role was when he made this comment. I was wondering if you could think of a another anology for modern day journalists than Lippman's comparison to priests in his time?
i think you had some great insight into modern-day journalists and what lippmann was trying to say. i think it would be great to see more of your opinion and ideas mixed in.
ReplyDeletegreat blog though.