Affair Quote by Conrad Black
“We must express the view, based on our empirical observations, that a substantial number of journalists are ignorant, lazy, opinionated, and intellectually dishonest. The profession is heavily cluttered with aged hacks toiling through a miasma of mounting decrepitude and often alcoholism, and even more so with arrogant and abrasive youngsters who substitute 'commitment' for insight. The product of their impassioned intervention in public affairs is more often confusion than lucidity.”
About This Quote
The quote criticizes journalists as generally uninformed, lazy, biased, and dishonest, portraying the media as cluttered with outdated, corrupt, and arrogant individuals, leading to confusion rather than clarity in public discourse.
In simple terms: Journalists are portrayed as uninformed and biased, causing confusion.
Question media critically and seek diverse sources.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- political analysis
- media literacy
- academic research
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media bias affect public opinion?
- What criteria define journalistic integrity?
The statement is a sweeping generalization that may overlook many dedicated journalists.