Jon Stewart and Crossfire

For those of you in my 10, 12, and 1:00 classes, Professor Barke sent you the clip of Jon Stewart’s appearance on Crossfire with Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala. For my 3:00 class, this may be the first time you've seen this footage. In any case, watch this clip again to refresh your memory, then discuss your reaction to Stewart’s allegations. For example, do you think shows like Crossfire and Hardball are “hurting America?” If so, how? Do these shows present opposing viewpoints which inform audiences about particular issues, or are they simply forums for politicians, political parties, and “partisan hacks” to present carefully crafted talking points? What does Stewart mean when he claims these shows help “politicians and corporations?

James Madison and Freedom of the Press

This past summer, the revelation of former FBI assistant director Mark Felt as “Deep Throat,” Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s secret informant, prompted many Americans to revisit the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s. Published in the Washington Post, Woodward and Bernstein’s investigation began with an inquiry into a seemingly harmless break-in at the Watergate Hotel, but eventually resulted in the downfall and resignation of the President of the United States.

For many, the reporters’ watchdog journalism was the finest example of James Madison’s belief that the press should serve the citizens, and not the government. In 1789, prompted by fears of the federal government’s abuse of power, Madison wrote: “The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.” For your post, I want you to discuss the role of journalism in today’s society. Do you think the press is living up to Madison’s expectations? Is it a defender of liberty, or an uncritical defender of the status quo? Do journalists question authority, or do they simply relay the government’s version of the “truth?” Do you think watchdog journalism similar to the Watergate investigation could happen in today’s political climate? Use specific examples in your response.

Media Coverage of Hurricane Katrina's Aftermath

Discuss the media's coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Here are some questions to consider--these are just suggestions, so feel free to address any issue that interests you.


1. How are Bush administration officials answering criticism they bungled the rescue and relief efforts in New Orleans? Do you think they have utilized the media to "spin" their response? If so, how?
2. During NBC's A Concert for Hurricane Relief, rapper Kanye West blasted the media's coverage of the victims of the hurricane: "I hate the way they portray us in the media. If you see a black family, it says they're looting. See a white family, it says they're looking for food." Do you think news reports have been biased? In coverage you've seen, have journalists acknowledged the racial and class dimensions of this disaster?
3. Find foreign news reports about the hurricane. How would you describe their characterization of the events in New Orleans?