Good Night, and Good Luck

Last week, I watched a film called Good Night, and Good Luck, starring George Clooney and David Strathairn. With a historically accurate approach, the film gave an excellent reenactment of the conflict between Senator Joseph McCarthy and famous TV journalist Edward Murrow. Directed by and co-written by George Clooney, the film served as a marvelous depiction of how media can effect government and politics. The senator's anti-communist actions soon became a list of bogus accusations of U.S. citizens involved in communist related activities. Ed Murrow and Fred Friendly quickly decided that he has gone too far and transform their weekly show into a ploy to bring down Senator McCarthy and his accusations.

The film has an underlying theme of media responsibility to the general public as watchdogs of the government. The reporters and journalists involved continuously battled with an internal struggle, as they risked their jobs as well as their reputations in order to do what they felt was right. In the end, the show was canceled, but they brought down McCarthy. The movie ends with Murrow giving a spine chilling speech regarding media responsibility. He states that a television set is more than just a box with wires, but an education tool that should be used for the good of society.

If we carry this last statement over to today's society, we find that these words are meaningless. Top ratings today portray the true interests of Americans. Dating and fashion shows have flooded the networks, leaving little room for the general public to gain knowledge on political agendas. If Murlow's ideas were put in place, if his words were taken seriously in today's mass media, then America would be a better informed body of people. Until that day comes, it will just be a very powerful tool, hidden in a box of wires.