As part of the Goldstein Program's 11th anniversary, James Fallows, the former editor of U.S. News and World Report, spoke at Norman James Theater April 3.
"[The College] has asked Mr. Fallows to speak on many occasions," said Dr. Daniel Premo, who invited him. "[However,] due to scheduling problems he was never able to attend until now."
"I love small liberal arts colleges," said Fallows. "I appreciate the education they are able to provide for their students. I came to [Washington College] primarily because of their loyalty of repeatedly asking me."
In addition to being the former editor of U.S. News and World Report, Fallows is a former speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and has written many articles for publications such as Esquire, Fortune, and The New Yorker.
Currently he is a national correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly. Fallows is the author of four books, including Breaking the News: How the Media Undermine American Democracy, which was the basis of his lecture. He has currently finished his fifth book, which should be available in stores soon.Fallows arrived in Chestertown from New York City about 6 p.m.Tuesday afternoon where a dinner was held in his honor. Guests included Ann McLain, wife of the former president of the college, and Ted Widmer, former speechwriter for President Clinton. Students from The Elm, political science majors and members of the Phi Delta Honor Society also attended. Louis Goldstein's brother and children were invited but could not attend.
After a two hour dinner, guests, as well as other students, gathered in the Norman James Theatre to hear Fallows's lecture.
"This is a very important topic," commented senior Seth Gabriel.
"It was a very informative talk; the role of the media in the American is increasing."Fallows spoke about the abundance of what he called "spectacle journalism," where one event becomes the most important event for a day, two days, or even a week. News stories such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the Gulf War, Princess Diana, and Monica Lewinsky were a few of the examples given.
According to Fallows, the problem with "spectacle journalism" is that this one story outshines all other stories until it runs its course.
Princess Diana's tragic death, for example, is looked at as just as important as the Gulf War, because both stories are up on the same plateau of over-coverage.Fallows also spoke about journalism from an economic standpoint. Like all things, news publications need to make a profit in order to survive.
However, according to Fallows, making money has become too important in print journalism. The focus needs to be on the quality of the story instead of its entertainment value."Having James Fallows at Washington College was quite a treat for the campus community," said Professor Melissa Deckman. "His talk was insightful - he gave a terrific analysis of what ails the news media today and why that matters in a democratic system such as ours. I hope his talk persuaded some young people to consider journalism and public affairs as a vocation."
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