Edward R. Murrow

The advent of the television changed the way Americans gathered their news. The newspaper could be supplemented by a trusted news anchor every night. One of the most trusted names in news and a significant influence on all in the broadcast industry was Edward R. Murrow. The George Clooney directed Good Night and Good Luck details the most important moment of Murrow's career. Murrow ran a TV show called See It Now, a documentary series that influences shows like 60 Minutes today. In the aftermath of WWII America had communist fever and a senator from Wyoming, Senator Joseph McCarthy, was running all over accusing people of communism. Murrow and his crew decided to stand up to him by producing a broadcast that showed McCarthy often contradicted himself. This resulted in a huge controversy and a feud between McCarthy and Murrow broke out. But the truth won out and Murrow's efforts are considered a turning point in television history. The film is a wonderful docudrama that is well-acted, superbly paced and brilliant in its construction. I believe it is a great learning tool for citizens that want to know about a difficult time in our history, as well as teaching them about the dangers of fear mongering and the ability of the press to protect the innocent.