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. Good night, and good luck.
Edward R. Murrow (in the movie: Good Night and Good Luck)
Struggle? Are there people struggling anymore to understand the medium of the flickering screen? I hope so. I hope I'm a struggler.
Here's the text of the full speech to the RTNDA Convention in Chicago on October 15, 1958.
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