CIAO DATE: 01/02

Media Madness: The Revolution So Far

Abstract

The objective of the Aspen Institute's Catto Conference on Journalism and Society is to examine the role of the press and the media in our political process and in our lives. In a way, this is an extension of the mission of the Washington Journalism Review, which I published for eight years with the incomparable Katherine Evans as editor. The first conference in 1997 was fortunate to have distinguished journalist Robert MacNeil as the Catto Fellow. His brilliant and thoughtful scrutiny of the condition of the news business launched us into candid and productive debate.

In 1998, The Aspen Institute was again fortunate to welcome a distinguished journalist, Max Frankel, former executive editor of The New York Times, as the Catto Fellow. His keynote address to the 1998 conference, held in Aspen, Colorado on July 16-18, 1998, forms the centerpiece of this report. Max's reduction to elements and historical overview of the world of journalism is essential reading for anyone with interest in and commitment to this business. His essay is followed by a report of the conference prepared by conference rapporteur David Bollier.

Media Madness: The Revolution So Far (PDF File)