01:00 Dan Rather, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Rather
07:00 Did the press uncover watergate? https://www.commentary.org/articles/edward-epstein-3/did-the-press-uncover-watergate/
09:00 Netflix documentary on civil rights, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=148976
11:00 The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties–A Conversation with Author Christopher Caldwell, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36-nBl5uBmc
20:00 Women, mediocrity and excellence, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=129132
25:00 The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=148976
39:00 Most news is unimportant, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=131296
50:00 Conservative Claims of Cultural Oppression: The Nature and Origins of Conservaphobia, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=144168
52:00 We all have hero systems, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=146534
1:01:50 Sailer’s First Law Of Female Journalism, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=121714
1:02:50 What should you expect from the news? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=146911
1:04:00 The craft of interviewing, https://lukeford.net/essays/contents/interviewing.htm
1:10:00 The News Is What Bureaucracies Report, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=144534
1:15:00 What should you expect from the news? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=146911
1:25:00 Where do journalists come from? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=137084
1:37:00 Watergate as democratic ritual, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=143174
1:48:00 NYT: Why Antiwar Protests Haven’t Flared Up at Black Colleges Like Morehouse, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/us/politics/biden-morehouse-black-colleges.html
1:54:00 HBO’s Small Town News & That Noble Dream: The ‘Objectivity Question’, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=141668
2:06:00 Dan Rather’s sweater period
2:08:30 The Liberal Liturgy, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=138045
2:12:40 The News Is What Bureaucracies Report, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=144534
2:16:00 Former USC medical school dean blames sickness for bad behavior
2:20:00 When Did Intellectuals Stop Supporting The Free Market Of Ideas? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=143526
2:25:00 Conservative Claims of Cultural Oppression: The Nature and Origins of Conservaphobia, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=144168
2:29:30 The Politics of Expertise, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=143550
2:32:30 What’s the frequency, Kenneth?
2:48:00 How The News Differs From Reality, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=144347
2:53:00 The “Objective Facts” of Journalism, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=140236
2:55:40 Christopher Caldwell: The Age of Entitlement
3:08:45 The Case Against The News, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=141853
3:26:00 Reporter Seymour Hersh, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=138924
3:30:00 Journalistic Ethics (12-9-20), https://rumble.com/vbv08f-journalistic-ethics-12-9-20.html
3:40:00 All the News That’s Fit to Click: How Metrics Are Transforming the Work of Journalists, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=154027
Podnotes summary: As a child, I dreamed of being a Christian missionary but ended up immersing myself in American culture after moving to the U.S. in 1977. Without a TV at home, I spent months reading through decades of Reader’s Digest and other magazines at Pacific Union College library before starting sixth grade.
My understanding of America grew from these readings and later television when my father bought one for distraction while defending his views against the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This period sparked my interest in journalism as an access pass to world events—inspired by figures like Dan Rather who became CBS Evening News anchor in 1980.
I interviewed Stormy Daniels multiple times between 2003-2007; she was always intelligent and poised, just like recently on the news. The media shapes our view of the world, often reflecting a liberal perspective that emphasizes individual rights over traditional group identities.
Journalism is not immune to bias; it can be influenced by personal ties or social activism under the guise of reporting truth. Civil rights coverage is an example where media focus tends to ignore certain aspects such as post-legislation violence committed by beneficiaries rather than opponents.
Dan Rather himself struggled with his role as journalist versus activist during civil rights movements—a testament to how journalists are sometimes torn between objectivity and advocacy.
In conclusion, understanding America’s past requires sifting through narratives shaped by various interests and perspectives—not just what we see on screen or read in print but also recognizing underlying motivations behind those stories.
Even without biased media coverage, the Vietnam War was a disaster from the start. America’s involvement wasn’t in its best interest and cost dearly, with troops being sacrificed for no vital national gain. Captain Hank Lu led an inclusive company of the 101st Airborne, embodying “same mud, same blood,” but reality showed racial divisions and ineffective diversity within army units.
The draft brought in low-IQ individuals due to improper IQ test usage by the U.S. Army. This led to dangerous situations and eventually changed recruitment practices. Cohesion was lacking compared to German troops who shared common backgrounds.
Christopher Caldwell discussed affirmative action and political correctness as pillars of post-1964 civil rights movements at Clare Institute, suggesting they were inevitable yet flawed extensions of liberalism that undermined democracy.
Journalism often prioritizes compelling stories over important ones for ratings or aligns with funders’ interests—whether governmental or corporate—affecting narratives like Trump’s alleged Kremlin ties used by The New York Times for profit despite their falsity.
Dan Rather’s portrayal as a patriotic journalist is questioned; his reporting may have been influenced by peer respect rather than truth-seeking alone. Journalism can be self-serving and not always focused on critical issues—it thrives on attention-grabbing content rather than informative substance.
Caldwell’s book “The Age of Entitlement” critiques how civil rights laws bypassed checks and balances, fostering division instead of unity in American society.
Vietnam coverage exposed government lies about war progress causing public distrust—the so-called ‘credibility gap.’ Journalists like Dan Rather became symbols of this era when they reported contrary facts from official statements, shaping public perception despite government pushback blaming media for anti-war sentiments.
A couple of security guards escorted Dan Rather out by his arms. He was punched in the stomach and considered it life-threatening. The incident, which happened inside a building where such aggression was unexpected, shocked onlookers and raised concerns about press safety during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Dan Rather later faced similar dangers when reporting on President Richard Nixon’s administration. His confrontations with Nixon were seen as bold journalism by some but angered others who supported Nixon.
The Netflix documentary highlights these moments, suggesting journalists like Rather shaped history through their confrontations with power. However, it also reveals biases within journalism itself – how stories are reported can be influenced by those providing information or pushing agendas.
Journalists often rely on leaks and official documents to avoid libel suits; they’re part of an industry that seeks to maximize its own importance. They may not always prioritize truth over interesting content; hence viewers should critically analyze news narratives considering the sources’ motives.
The film touches upon Watergate, illustrating how government institutions played a bigger role in exposing corruption than journalists did alone. This challenges the myth that reporters are solely responsible for uncovering scandals.
In conclusion, while journalists aim to inform the public, they operate within constraints and personal interests just like any other profession. The documentary suggests we should view news with awareness of these factors for a more accurate understanding of events.
Political activists may masquerade as journalists, their views shaped early by biology and upbringing. They seek power through journalism, driven to uncover newsworthy material even at personal risk.
Journalists are often liberals, craving fresh information and sometimes engaging in risky endeavors for a story. This hunger for news can lead them into dangerous situations without backup.
The Nixon presidency wasn’t toppled by the media but by Nixon’s mismanagement. Similarly, Donald Trump faced containment from established powers. Watergate was initially seen as minor political espionage but evolved into a symbol of corruption that threatened American values.
Jeffrey Alexander’s essay explains how society transformed Watergate from an insignificant event to a moral crisis over two years. The scandal became emblematic of systemic immorality within the government.
Initially dismissed by Americans and media alike, Watergate gained significance through elite-driven narratives framing it as an attack on national morals rather than mere politics. This shift turned it into a battle between good and evil in public perception.
CBS News faced pressure during this time; Dan Rather moved from covering the White House to joining “60 Minutes,” reflecting television’s blend of news with show business due to ratings pressures.
In reporting, credibility is paramount—whether covering protests or foreign conflicts like Afghanistan. Journalists must navigate risks to bring stories home while maintaining audience trust—a challenge exemplified in Rather’s career transition after Walter Cronkite’s retirement from CBS Evening News.
News has become intertwined with entertainment; however, integrity remains crucial for anchors who convey information to the public—a responsibility taken seriously despite inherent biases or limitations everyone faces when interpreting reality.
I recently watched the first two episodes of HBO’s “Small Town News,” a documentary about a local news team in Pahrump, Nevada. The series is set in a real workplace and follows the staff as they produce content for their station, KVPM. Reviews praise the show’s endearing characters who are easy to root for.
Despite its charm, I found myself feeling down after watching it. The thought of living in Pahrump—a small town with 36,000 residents near Las Vegas—struck me as bleak. It made me reflect on my own situation and whether I’d be willing to move somewhere like that just to be on TV or work at a small station.
The show also sparked thoughts about online content creators’ desperation for attention and validation through likes and subscriptions. It feels uncomfortable when someone seems overly eager for your approval.
However, there are those who genuinely have something valuable to share—like Professor Casey’s insightful videos on poultry—which doesn’t come across as desperate or depressing.
“Small Town News” features people who are comfortable with themselves and their roles within the community. They’re happy contributing however they can without seeking fame or recognition.
On another note, reading Peter Novick’s book “That Noble Dream” reminded me how historians sought objectivity post-World War II but often avoided controversial topics except when promoting racial equality or U.S. foreign policy power responsibilities—considered objective truths then.
In contrast, today’s media landscape includes debates over free speech versus hate speech regulations; this echoes past discussions around journalistic objectivity versus subjectivity.
Reflecting on my journey into journalism since 1979 has shown that striving for objectivity often meant simply echoing authority figures—an approach challenged by new journalism practices which emphasize personal perspective over bureaucratic reports.
Lastly, Dan Rather’s portrayal in a recent Netflix documentary highlighted his intense style compared to other anchors like Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings during an era when network news dominated public discourse.
The desire to save and be saved often stems from the same unhealthy place. I learned this at a program for sex and love addiction, which explained that both impulses can come from problematic origins.
In 2016, F’s life was spiraling when she overdosed in Pasadena. Poe, who paid for the room, claimed he was just a family friend to the police.
Dan Rather’s Netflix documentary highlighted how early on media stories were crafted with ease. Paul P of The New York Times linked it to an official document by Pasadena Police Department. A TV network could cover global events if they invested enough money.
Live news became so influential that during coverage in Beijing, China decided to cut off satellite access – a significant moment for us journalists but also a black eye for Chinese authorities.
Journalism has evolved; once universally supporting free expression, intellectuals now debate what should be publicly discussed. Ronald Coase questioned why intellectuals support free idea markets yet oppose goods and services markets. This shift possibly began in the ’90s with political correctness rising alongside internet critiques by perceived inferiors.
Previously pro-freedom press resented new mediums like radio and TV news as competition arose. Once atop cultural high ground, some intellectuals felt threatened by free speech rather than protected by it – principles become secondary when power is gained.
Experts rely on peer recognition; their status rises through achievements acknowledged within their community circles—journalists lean on these experts to interpret reality.
A bizarre assault on Dan Rather left many skeptical about his story until evidence proved otherwise—a song even immortalized the incident later despite its serious nature initially being mocked or doubted.
When live interviews replace edited ones, control shifts away from journalists like Rather who struggled without editing leverage against George Bush during an Iran-Contra interview—highlighting journalism’s complex relationship with power dynamics.
Publicity has dual effects—it illuminates but also burns those under its intense focus constantly scrutinized or targeted for downfall—suggesting acting transparently reduces risks associated with fame or spotlight pressure since any missteps are never forgotten especially in politics where strategies play out long-term.
The left and right aren’t so different; we all manipulate events for our benefit. The American public doesn’t want to be told how to think, which led to the “We report, you decide” approach at Fox News. Still, networks like ABC and NBC are considered straight shooters by some, while CBS’s Dan Rather is seen as biased due to his dislike for George Bush.
In news media, having a villain helps drive a narrative. Roger Ailes of Fox News aimed to serve an audience he felt was overlooked. He created a channel that reflected his worldview with strong personalities driving ratings.
News often reflects bureaucratic statements rather than reality. For instance, recession indicators were evident when strippers in Manhattan noticed reduced tips long before official reports confirmed it. Bureaucratic sources are favored because they’re less likely to lead to lawsuits than individual insights—yet real-life experiences sometimes provide more accurate information.
Understanding news requires context: who wrote it, their ideology, agenda, incentives faced by them and their social circle’s expectations.
Fox News has been criticized by competitors but this is typical human behavior – people protect their status when threatened.
Journalism debates between traditional methods relying on official sources versus new journalism focusing on personal experience continue. Official declarations become ‘facts’, yet street corner comments can sometimes offer greater clarity or truth.
Finally, understanding power dynamics in society can be more enlightening than consuming sensationalist news that plays into biases without adding meaningful insight into complex issues.
Eating steak makes you full, much like consuming in-depth articles or books requires thought. News, however, is like junk food for the mind – easily digestible but not substantial. We’re starting to see how toxic it can be, similar to recognizing unhealthy foods years ago.
News focuses on sensational stories instead of underlying issues. It misleads us about real risks and priorities – terrorism seems more threatening than chronic stress; financial irresponsibility goes unnoticed while high-profile events grab attention.
Cutting news consumption entirely might be the only way to avoid its hazards. Daily news routines fill our heads with irrelevant information that seldom aids in making better life decisions.
News triggers stress responses and hinders deep thinking abilities. It’s a distraction system that affects memory and cognition negatively.
Moreover, excessive news watching fosters passivity by presenting problems we cannot influence, leading to pessimism and potentially contributing to depression and lack of creativity.
Journalistic ethics are complex due to their varied obligations – readers, sources, subjects of reporting, employers, advertisers all pull journalists in different directions. This complexity often leads to debates over what constitutes ethical journalism practice.
In summary: Overconsumption of news can be detrimental; it’s designed for quick consumption rather than deep understanding or relevance. Journalists face an intricate web of ethical considerations affecting their reporting quality and focus.
Culture, including music, TV, and books, shapes our worldview. Journalism is a powerful cultural force that helps us understand politics, empathize with others’ experiences, and grasp important public issues.
Dan Rather’s career at CBS News ended controversially due to a discredited report on President Bush’s National Guard service. He chose not to blame his team publicly to maintain the image of being more than just a newsreader. Despite this setback and the end of his high-profile job at CBS News—a role deeply tied to social status—Rather continued working in journalism even though his subsequent projects did not reach the same level of influence.
His post-CBS work didn’t capture national attention like before; stepping away from such prominence often means one can’t fully regain their former stature. Nevertheless, Rather persisted out of personal drive rather than retirement or defeat.
In summary, culture influences perception; journalism plays a key role in shaping it. Dan Rather faced career challenges but remained committed to journalistic work despite reduced impact after leaving CBS News.
