{"id":155076,"date":"2024-05-12T10:40:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-12T18:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=155076"},"modified":"2024-08-11T16:54:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T00:54:33","slug":"decoding-dan-rather-5-12-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=155076","title":{"rendered":"Decoding Dan Rather (5-12-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WJ2Za0Fa6K0?si=thIw4PUzp5gpap1-\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Click to play at 01:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#60\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"60\">01:00<\/a> Dan Rather, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dan_Rather\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dan_Rather<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 07:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#420\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"420\">07:00<\/a> Did the press uncover watergate? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commentary.org\/articles\/edward-epstein-3\/did-the-press-uncover-watergate\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.commentary.org\/articles\/edward-epstein-3\/did-the-press-uncover-watergate\/<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 09:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#540\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"540\">09:00<\/a> Netflix documentary on civil rights, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=148976\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=148976<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 11:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#660\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"660\">11:00<\/a> The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties&#8211;A Conversation with Author Christopher Caldwell, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=36-nBl5uBmc\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=36-nBl5uBmc<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 20:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#1200\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"1200\">20:00<\/a> Women, mediocrity and excellence, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=129132\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=129132<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 25:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#1500\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"1500\">25:00<\/a> The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=148976\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=148976<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 39:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#2340\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"2340\">39:00<\/a> Most news is unimportant, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=131296\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=131296<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 50:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#3000\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"3000\">50:00<\/a> Conservative Claims of Cultural Oppression: The Nature and Origins of Conservaphobia, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144168\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144168<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 52:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#3120\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"3120\">52:00<\/a> We all have hero systems, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146534\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146534<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:01:50\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#3710\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"3710\">1:01:50<\/a> Sailer\u2019s First Law Of Female Journalism, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=121714\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=121714<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:02:50\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#3770\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"3770\">1:02:50<\/a> What should you expect from the news? <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146911\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146911<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:04:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#3840\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"3840\">1:04:00<\/a> The craft of interviewing, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/essays\/contents\/interviewing.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/essays\/contents\/interviewing.htm<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:10:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#4200\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"4200\">1:10:00<\/a> The News Is What Bureaucracies Report, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144534\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144534<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:15:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#4500\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"4500\">1:15:00<\/a> What should you expect from the news? <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146911\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=146911<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:25:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#5100\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"5100\">1:25:00<\/a> Where do journalists come from? <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=137084\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=137084<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:37:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#5820\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"5820\">1:37:00<\/a> Watergate as democratic ritual, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143174\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143174<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:48:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#6480\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"6480\">1:48:00<\/a> NYT: Why Antiwar Protests Haven\u2019t Flared Up at Black Colleges Like Morehouse, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/05\/11\/us\/politics\/biden-morehouse-black-colleges.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/05\/11\/us\/politics\/biden-morehouse-black-colleges.html<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 1:54:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#6840\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"6840\">1:54:00<\/a> HBO\u2019s Small Town News &amp; That Noble Dream: The &#8216;Objectivity Question&#8217;, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=141668\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=141668<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:06:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#7560\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"7560\">2:06:00<\/a> Dan Rather&#8217;s sweater period <br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:08:30\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#7710\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"7710\">2:08:30<\/a> The Liberal Liturgy, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=138045\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=138045<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:12:40\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#7960\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"7960\">2:12:40<\/a> The News Is What Bureaucracies Report, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144534\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144534<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:16:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#8160\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"8160\">2:16:00<\/a> Former USC medical school dean blames sickness for bad behavior<br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:20:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#8400\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"8400\">2:20:00<\/a> When Did Intellectuals Stop Supporting The Free Market Of Ideas? <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143526\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143526<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:25:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#8700\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"8700\">2:25:00<\/a> Conservative Claims of Cultural Oppression: The Nature and Origins of Conservaphobia, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144168\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144168<\/a> <br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:29:30\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#8970\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"8970\">2:29:30<\/a> The Politics of Expertise, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143550\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=143550<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:32:30\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#9150\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"9150\">2:32:30<\/a> What&#8217;s the frequency, Kenneth? <br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:48:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#10080\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"10080\">2:48:00<\/a> How The News Differs From Reality, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144347\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=144347<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:53:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#10380\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"10380\">2:53:00<\/a> The \u201cObjective Facts\u201d of Journalism, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=140236\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=140236<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 2:55:40\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#10540\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"10540\">2:55:40<\/a> Christopher Caldwell: The Age of Entitlement<br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 3:08:45\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#11325\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"11325\">3:08:45<\/a> The Case Against The News, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=141853\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=141853<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 3:26:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#12360\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"12360\">3:26:00<\/a> Reporter Seymour Hersh, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=138924\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=138924<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 3:30:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#12600\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"12600\">3:30:00<\/a> Journalistic Ethics (12-9-20), <a href=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/vbv08f-journalistic-ethics-12-9-20.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/rumble.com\/vbv08f-journalistic-ethics-12-9-20.html<\/a><br \/><a title=\"Click to play at 3:40:00\" class=\"ln-clickable-timestamp\" href=\"#13200\" data-action=\"episode-seek-audio\" data-timestamp=\"13200\">3:40:00<\/a> All the News That\u2019s Fit to Click: How Metrics Are Transforming the Work of Journalists, <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=154027\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=154027<\/a><\/p>\n<p><A HREF=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?page_id=156921\">Transcript.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s Digest and other magazines at Pacific Union College library before starting sixth grade.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014inspired by figures like Dan Rather who became CBS Evening News anchor in 1980.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Rather himself struggled with his role as journalist versus activist during civil rights movements\u2014a testament to how journalists are sometimes torn between objectivity and advocacy.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, understanding America&#8217;s past requires sifting through narratives shaped by various interests and perspectives\u2014not just what we see on screen or read in print but also recognizing underlying motivations behind those stories.<\/p>\n<p> Even without biased media coverage, the Vietnam War was a disaster from the start. America&#8217;s involvement wasn&#8217;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 &#8220;same mud, same blood,&#8221; but reality showed racial divisions and ineffective diversity within army units.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Journalism often prioritizes compelling stories over important ones for ratings or aligns with funders&#8217; interests\u2014whether governmental or corporate\u2014affecting narratives like Trump&#8217;s alleged Kremlin ties used by The New York Times for profit despite their falsity.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Rather&#8217;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\u2014it thrives on attention-grabbing content rather than informative substance.<\/p>\n<p>Caldwell\u2019s book &#8220;The Age of Entitlement&#8221; critiques how civil rights laws bypassed checks and balances, fostering division instead of unity in American society.<\/p>\n<p>Vietnam coverage exposed government lies about war progress causing public distrust\u2014the so-called &#8216;credibility gap.&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p> 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.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Rather later faced similar dangers when reporting on President Richard Nixon&#8217;s administration. His confrontations with Nixon were seen as bold journalism by some but angered others who supported Nixon.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2013 how stories are reported can be influenced by those providing information or pushing agendas.<\/p>\n<p>Journalists often rely on leaks and official documents to avoid libel suits; they&#8217;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&#8217; motives.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The Nixon presidency wasn&#8217;t toppled by the media but by Nixon&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>Jeffrey Alexander\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>CBS News faced pressure during this time; Dan Rather moved from covering the White House to joining &#8220;60 Minutes,&#8221; reflecting television\u2019s blend of news with show business due to ratings pressures.<\/p>\n<p>In reporting, credibility is paramount\u2014whether covering protests or foreign conflicts like Afghanistan. Journalists must navigate risks to bring stories home while maintaining audience trust\u2014a challenge exemplified in Rather&#8217;s career transition after Walter Cronkite&#8217;s retirement from CBS Evening News.<\/p>\n<p>News has become intertwined with entertainment; however, integrity remains crucial for anchors who convey information to the public\u2014a responsibility taken seriously despite inherent biases or limitations everyone faces when interpreting reality.<\/p>\n<p> I recently watched the first two episodes of HBO&#8217;s &#8220;Small Town News,&#8221; 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&#8217;s endearing characters who are easy to root for.<\/p>\n<p>Despite its charm, I found myself feeling down after watching it. The thought of living in Pahrump\u2014a small town with 36,000 residents near Las Vegas\u2014struck me as bleak. It made me reflect on my own situation and whether I&#8217;d be willing to move somewhere like that just to be on TV or work at a small station.<\/p>\n<p>The show also sparked thoughts about online content creators&#8217; desperation for attention and validation through likes and subscriptions. It feels uncomfortable when someone seems overly eager for your approval.<\/p>\n<p>However, there are those who genuinely have something valuable to share\u2014like Professor Casey&#8217;s insightful videos on poultry\u2014which doesn&#8217;t come across as desperate or depressing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Small Town News&#8221; features people who are comfortable with themselves and their roles within the community. They&#8217;re happy contributing however they can without seeking fame or recognition.<\/p>\n<p>On another note, reading Peter Novick&#8217;s book &#8220;That Noble Dream&#8221; 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\u2014considered objective truths then.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, today\u2019s media landscape includes debates over free speech versus hate speech regulations; this echoes past discussions around journalistic objectivity versus subjectivity.<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting on my journey into journalism since 1979 has shown that striving for objectivity often meant simply echoing authority figures\u2014an approach challenged by new journalism practices which emphasize personal perspective over bureaucratic reports.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, Dan Rather&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p> 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.<\/p>\n<p>In 2016, F&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Rather&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>Live news became so influential that during coverage in Beijing, China decided to cut off satellite access \u2013 a significant moment for us journalists but also a black eye for Chinese authorities.<\/p>\n<p>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 &#8217;90s with political correctness rising alongside internet critiques by perceived inferiors.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2013 principles become secondary when power is gained.<\/p>\n<p>Experts rely on peer recognition; their status rises through achievements acknowledged within their community circles\u2014journalists lean on these experts to interpret reality.<\/p>\n<p>A bizarre assault on Dan Rather left many skeptical about his story until evidence proved otherwise\u2014a song even immortalized the incident later despite its serious nature initially being mocked or doubted.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014highlighting journalism&#8217;s complex relationship with power dynamics.<\/p>\n<p>Publicity has dual effects\u2014it illuminates but also burns those under its intense focus constantly scrutinized or targeted for downfall\u2014suggesting 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.<\/p>\n<p> The left and right aren&#8217;t so different; we all manipulate events for our benefit. The American public doesn&#8217;t want to be told how to think, which led to the &#8220;We report, you decide&#8221; approach at Fox News. Still, networks like ABC and NBC are considered straight shooters by some, while CBS&#8217;s Dan Rather is seen as biased due to his dislike for George Bush.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;re less likely to lead to lawsuits than individual insights\u2014yet real-life experiences sometimes provide more accurate information.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding news requires context: who wrote it, their ideology, agenda, incentives faced by them and their social circle&#8217;s expectations.<\/p>\n<p>Fox News has been criticized by competitors but this is typical human behavior &#8211; people protect their status when threatened.<\/p>\n<p>Journalism debates between traditional methods relying on official sources versus new journalism focusing on personal experience continue. Official declarations become &#8216;facts&#8217;, yet street corner comments can sometimes offer greater clarity or truth.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p> Eating steak makes you full, much like consuming in-depth articles or books requires thought. News, however, is like junk food for the mind \u2013 easily digestible but not substantial. We&#8217;re starting to see how toxic it can be, similar to recognizing unhealthy foods years ago.<\/p>\n<p>News focuses on sensational stories instead of underlying issues. It misleads us about real risks and priorities \u2013 terrorism seems more threatening than chronic stress; financial irresponsibility goes unnoticed while high-profile events grab attention.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>News triggers stress responses and hinders deep thinking abilities. It&#8217;s a distraction system that affects memory and cognition negatively.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, excessive news watching fosters passivity by presenting problems we cannot influence, leading to pessimism and potentially contributing to depression and lack of creativity.<\/p>\n<p>Journalistic ethics are complex due to their varied obligations \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>In summary: Overconsumption of news can be detrimental; it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p> Culture, including music, TV, and books, shapes our worldview. Journalism is a powerful cultural force that helps us understand politics, empathize with others&#8217; experiences, and grasp important public issues.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Rather&#8217;s career at CBS News ended controversially due to a discredited report on President Bush&#8217;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\u2014a role deeply tied to social status\u2014Rather continued working in journalism even though his subsequent projects did not reach the same level of influence.<\/p>\n<p>His post-CBS work didn&#8217;t capture national attention like before; stepping away from such prominence often means one can&#8217;t fully regain their former stature. Nevertheless, Rather persisted out of personal drive rather than retirement or defeat.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><script>!function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embedJS\/uajap1\"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+\"\/?url=\"+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+\"&args=\"+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, \"script\", \"Rumble\");<\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"rumble_v98u1r\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\nRumble(\"play\", {\"video\":\"v98u1r\",\"div\":\"rumble_v98u1r\"});<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>01:00 Dan Rather, https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dan_Rather07:00 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=14897611:00 The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties&#8211;A Conversation with Author Christopher Caldwell, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=36-nBl5uBmc20:00 Women, mediocrity and excellence, https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=12913225:00 The Age of Entitlement: America &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/?p=155076\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-155076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-journalism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155076","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=155076"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155076\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":156925,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155076\/revisions\/156925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=155076"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=155076"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lukeford.net\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=155076"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}