Wires and Lights in a Box.

The film Good Night, and Good Luck was bookended by a keynote speech that Edward R. Murrow gave at the 1958 Radio-Television News Directors Association & Foundation (RTNDAF) Convention. Even though it needs to be said just as much now as it did 50 years ago, probably even moreso, I don't imagine there is anyone in the news business today who would have the integrity to say what he said to that room. I've copied an excerpt below.

Murrow Speech:

"We are to a large extent an imitative society. If one or two or three corporations would undertake to devote just a small fraction of their advertising appropriation along the lines that I have suggested, the procedure would grow by contagion; the economic burden would be bearable, and there might ensue a most exciting adventure--exposure to ideas and the bringing of reality into the homes of the nation.

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. "