EDWARD R. MURROW
RTNDA Convention
Chicago
October 15, 1958
I have decided to express my concern about what I believe to be happening to radio and television. These
instruments have been good to me beyond my due. There exists in mind no reasonable grounds for
personal complaint. I have no feud, either with my employers, any sponsors, or with the professional critics
of radio and television. But I am seized with an abiding fear regarding what these two instruments are doing
to our society, our culture and our heritage.
Our history will be what we make it. And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now,
and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find
recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of
the world in which we live. I invite your attention to the television schedules of all networks between the
hours of 8 and 11 p.m., Eastern Time. Here you will find only fleeting and spasmodic reference to the fact
that this nation is in mortal danger. During the daily peak viewing periods, television in the main insulates us
from the realities of the world in which we live.
1. What is Murrow’s concern about television in his time?
2. Does TV today insulate us from the realities of the world? How?
EDWARD R. MURROW
RTNDA Convention
Chicago
October 15, 1958
I began by saying that our history will be what we make it. If we go on as we are, then history will take its
revenge, and retribution will not limp in catching up with us.
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. There is
a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This
weapon of television could be useful.
1. What does Murrow see as TV’s potential?
2. Can you think of examples where TV has been used as a weapon against ignorance, intolerance and
indifference
EDWARD R. MURROW
RTNDA Convention
Chicago
October 15, 1958
Stonewall Jackson, who knew something about the use of weapons, is reported to have said, "When war
comes, you must draw the sword and throw away the scabbard." The trouble with television is that it is
rusting in the scabbard during a battle for survival.
1. Explain what you think this metaphor means.
Murrow Editorial
No one familiar with the history of his country, can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is
necessary to investigate before legislating. But the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine
one, and the Junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. His primary achievement has
been confusing the public mind as between the internal and the external threats of communism. We must
not confuse dissent from disloyalty. We must remember always, that accusation is not proof, and that
conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another, we will
not be driven by fear into an age of unreason. If we dig deep into our history and our doctrine, we will
remember we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who dared to write, to speak, to associate,
and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular. This is no time for men who oppose Sen.
McCarthy's methods to keep silent or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history but
we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of the republic to abdicate his
responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves
as indeed the defenders of freedom wherever it still exists in the world. But we cannot defend freedom
abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the Junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and
dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that?
Not really his, he didn't create this situation of fear, he merely exploited it, and rather successfully. Cassius
was right, the fault dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves. Good night, and good luck.
1.
Where does Murrow ultimately place the blame for the hunt on communism? Do you agree with his
choice?
2.
Can you draw any parallels of the situation he describes above to anything going on either in your
life or the world around you?