Good Night, and Good Luck Dignity

"Good Night, and Good Lucky," were the famous signature sign off words spoken by Edward R. Murrow at the end of his well renown show, "See It Now" on CBS. These words became the title of a movie in 2005, a film that portrayed how Mr. Murrow's exemplary broadcast journalism led to downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin. While the rest of journalists and the media were too afraid to go against Senator McCarthy, Mr. Murrow boldly made a choice to do so with a strong convictions. He put his duty of serving the public before himself and selflessly dedicated his show with the support of his co-producer, Fred Friendly and their staff. With a committed team, Mr. Murrow disregard ed corporate sponsorships and motives to dispute McCarthy's shrewd allegations.
Senator Joseph McCarthy's scandals became known as McCarthyism, a shameful time that opened the gates of anti-communism suspicion in American government, especially the Democratic Party. McCarthy accused and destroyed the lives of thousands of innocent men and women based on his accusation of being a communist or communist sympathizer. His tactics were so outrageous, that it became known as the "anti-communist witch hunt," instilling fear in most Americans.

Mr. Murrow began his series against McCarthy in, "See It Now," by first defending Milo Radulovich, who was yet a another victim to McCarthy's allegations. Radulovich was accused based on the political views of his sister, and loose ties with his father which made him security risk and a candidate to be expelled from the Air Force. Mr. Murrow's upright delivery was a huge impact and it gained the support of the media to bring down McCarthy. Mr. Murrow continued in his series to expose McCarthy by his own clips of contradicting words and falsehoods. After allowing McCarthy to rebut his case, he was further proven as a "sadistic bully." Later McCarthy was finally charged, and the public viewed the series of McCarthy-Army hearings.

Edward R. Murrow, and Fred Friendly became the stepping stone to the truth in a turning point in American history. Mr. Murrow became the most distinguished journalist in history. He is regarded as the "patron sanit of the broadcasting profession." He was a wise man who contributed to the greater good of journalism and the nation. His eloquently and strongly said, "Our history is what we make it." His story made a lasting impact as a model of exemplary journalism brining dignity to television and inspirations for generations.

Does it Matter How the Muck was Raked?

Muckraking journalists served the public righteously in the past exposing injustices, scandals, corruption, and other misconduct that were blind to the citizens. These talented journalists boldly took on the power of words to go against the established organizations in politics and business. They enlightened the public, who were either in the dark or ignorant to the truth. The Society of Professional Journalist's Code of Ethics states in it's preamble that "public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. " It goes on to state that "Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. " The muckrakers were conscientious, but were they thorough or honest enough?

It would not be fair to judge the muckraking journalist in comparison to The Code of Ethics, which did not exist of the time. In a time where corruption and deceit was prevalent the muckrakers created a stage to enlighten the nation. on political and social ills. If compared to the standards created after the muckraking journalists, they somewhat adhered to the Code Of Ethics even though they violated some rules. President Theodore Roosevelt stated that the muckrakers were constantly interested in raking the filth or negativity of the society. However, the scrutiny and constant distrust of the muckrakers were vital for democracy and reform.

Muckraking : Shaping America

Although journalism could never recover from the stains of yellow journalism, it was able to elevate it's status as muckraking journalist essentially changed the history of America for the better. As Rodger Streitmatter put it in Mightier than the Sword, muckraking became "The Golden Age of Reform Journalism." During the second half of the nineteenth century, America's priorities became lost as she raced to expansion to be the nation of the future. However while production, export, politics, and corporations soared the nation's laissez-faire policies neglected the core American values of equality. The industrialist and investors thrived successfully, while the common man and immigrants struggled to survive becoming stagnant in their poverty state.

President Theodore Rosevelt, a supporter of reform journalists accidentally coined the term "muckracking," when he described the journalists at times always looked for the negative aspects of the society. So came the age of muckraking journalism that was much needed for the nation to wake up to see the atrocities that were happening. Using expose pieces with detail writing the reporters motivated political, social, and industrial change. Some of the fine iconic journalist rose from this period helping the nation find the truth. Lincoln Steffens, known as the first muckraker boldly attacked municipal corruption that lead to creating standards for recruiting experienced professional administrators. The muckrakers went on to divulge many privatie industry monopolies (Standard Oil and Rockefeller hold) and corruption. The journalists went on to rouse the public of the poor quality of food and drugs. Upton Sinclair's famous series, "The Jungle," contained shocking revelations that would push the public to the edge about poor food quality and working conditions. Other muckraking campaigns against drugs awakened the public of the patent medicine that were laced with morphine creating a nation of addicts. One of the biggest feat the muckrakers achieved was exposing "Treason in the U.S Senate," that eventually led to the wiping out of corrupt senators and putting the power in the citizens hand to elect their senators.

When corruptions and negligence was sadly prominent around the nation, muckraking journalism served our American history extraordinarily as they enlightened to reform. This period of journalism is an inspiration to the power words and people hold to inevitably create a better future for ourselves. Journalist of today should remember this empowering period of time to not be afraid to reveal the flaws of today's society to get to the truth.