(The Eternal Feeding Frenzy)
"I think that certainly there is an effort on the part of those in power to control what the press has to say about them."
- Brit Hume - February 22, 1973.
Oh, how times have changed. During several weeks in early 1973, the Senate staged hearings under the banner "Peoples Right To Be Informed". The question whether or not confidential sources were subject to subpoena was raised, certainly in light of Watergate, whose hearings would begin only a few months later. Senator Sam Ervin was Chairman and testifying during this session was none other than Brit Hume and Joel M. Gora of the ACLU. Hume was an investigative reporter working for print media at the time, and during the course of questioning was asked if the government was applying undo pressure on the media in presenting positive spin. Hume's response, as well as referring to it as propaganda, was rather interesting considering where he has gone in recent years.
And maybe how far the mighty have fallen. Or is there a checkbook involved in all this?
Gora and Hume's testimony as it was broadcast on February 22, 1973 - the morning session.
