The failures of the press have contributed immensely to the emergence of a talk-show nation, in which public discourse is reduced to ranting and raving and posturing. We now have a mainstream press whose news agenda is increasingly influenced by this netherworld.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Press failures created a talk-show culture that degrades public discourse and influences news.
- In plain terms
- Bad journalism led to a noisy public culture that affects real news.
- What can you take from it?
- Hold press accountable to prevent public discourse decay.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How has media affected your view of politics?
- What makes a good news source?
Another view
Talk shows also provide accessible information for some audiences.
More from Carl Bernstein
You can't serve the public good without the truth as a bottom line.
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