There was no news in the Dan Rather piece. They didn't say…
![“There was no news in the Dan Rather piece. They didn't say [to Bush]: "We found a piece of paper that was overlooked in the 300,000 pieces of paper that were covered in the Iran-Contra hearings, and we have a piece of news we'd like to ask you about." CBS decided to create a media event and cover…” quote by Roger Ailes](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/110/roger-ailes-2123_american-history_there-was-no-news-in-the-dan-rather-piec_879861.jpg)
“There was no news in the Dan Rather piece. They didn't say [to Bush]: "We found a piece of paper that was overlooked in the 300,000 pieces of paper that were covered in the Iran-Contra hearings, and we have a piece of news we'd like to ask you about." CBS decided to create a media event and cover it in its own fashion. This was unprecedented in American history. CBS cancelled two-thirds of the newscast... to get a guy and take him out.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Media can manufacture stories by highlighting trivial details and suppressing others, shaping public perception.
In simple terms: News can be created by focusing on small facts and ignoring larger context.
Key Takeaway
Beware of media framing and seek full context.
Themes
media manipulation
political power
journalism ethics
Mood
skeptical
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
political
media critique
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- news reporting
- media analysis
- public debates
Key Concepts
agenda setting
information control
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does selective reporting affect democracy?
- What responsibilities do journalists have to context?
A Different Perspective
May overlook important facts in pursuit of sensationalism.