PUBLIC AFFAIRS TELEVISION, INC. March 5, 2001 Mr. John Hamer Dear John Hamer: I was pleased to hear about the Washington News Council. Those of us in journalism have much to gain and nothing to fear from your dedication to making sure citizens get a hearing when they think we have been egregiously unfair. IĂve long thought that Americans arenĂt smarter than other people, or more virtuous, and certainly not more handsome or beautiful. What makes this society unique is the capacity for self-correction that lies at the heart of democracy. Nary an institution is beyond criticism or accountability, not even the press. But while the First Amendment protects us from government encroachment and frivolous litigation, who is going to protect us against ourselves? I maintain we have to do it ourselves, by learning to be good listeners to the people who would otherwise conclude we have become overbearing, smug, and cold-hearted when in fact we have merely been wrong. The Washington News Council seems like a mighty good listening post. ThereĂs another reason youĂre needed. The incredible concentration of media power in fewer and fewer hands means journalism gets pushed lower and lower on the hierarchy of concerns of rich, powerful, and usual absentee owners whose newspapers, magazines, and broadcasting outlets are now judged solely by profits, even at the expense of public service. We journalists should welcome an organization like yours that provides our readers and listeners a sense that they have somewhere to go when thereĂs no one at home upstairs who any longer cares whether the community trusts its journalists or not. Finally, if even lawyers recognize the value of ethics committees, surely we journalists can tolerate a news council to keep us on our toes. All the best, Bill Moyers |