The reality is that the media are probably the most powerful of all our institutions today and they, or rather we [journalists], too often are squandering our power and ignoring our obligations. The consequence of our abdication of responsibility is the ugly spectacle of idiot culture!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Media institutions have immense power but often ignore responsibilities, leading to low-quality culture.
- In plain terms
- Journalists waste power and create bad culture by not doing their job.
- What can you take from it?
- Journalists must take responsibility for cultural impact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who is responsible for media quality?
- How can journalists better serve the public?
Another view
Not all media squanders power; many outlets maintain standards.
More from Carl Bernstein
You can't serve the public good without the truth as a bottom line.
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