Lapdogs with Laptops
A vital and independent press is essential to the functioning of democracy. In recent years, media concentration has accelerated. This has resulted in the closing down of many domestic and foreign bureaus and a sharp reduction in the number of working reporters. In pursuit of a juicy tidbit, too many journalists today cozy up to power. They take pride in being called on by their first name at presidential news conferences. They play golf and tennis with high administration officials and are invited to all the important dinner parties. We need a press that will hold the feet of the mighty to the fire and not drink cabernet sauvignon with them. Citizens are ill-served by lapdogs with laptops.
Speaker
John Pilger
John Pilger was an internationally renowned award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker. Wikileaks called him a “ferocious speaker of truth to power.” Born in Australia, he was long based in London. He was twice selected as Britain’s Journalist of the Year. His award-winning documentaries include Year Zero, Palestine is Still the Issue, The War on Democracy and The Coming War with China. He is the author of The New Rulers of the World and Freedom Next Time. He died on December 30, 2023.
From John in Ontario –
Lapdogs With Laptops is mandatory for all first-semester journalism students. It must be viewed again in the final semester, reinforcing that journalism is about trying, as truthfully as possible, to find out what the hell is going on, without fear or favor, and keeping the record straight. It is about humanity. And, above all, it is not believing any official line, not believing the press release.
Pat in Colorado –
Thanks for airing John Pilger’s Lapdogs with Laptops talk. He was brilliant and fearless. One of the world leaders in independent journalism.
Peter Fleming –
Outstanding
Marcus Thomas –
Excellent!! I’m glad they play this at KBOO 90.7FM in Portland! So very relevant and revolutionary stuff if you think about it.
Melissa –
The more things change…
This was a wonderful illuminating talk and felt current though it was recorded in 2007. We must be vigilant because power corrupts!
Raúl Castillo –
Amazingly interesting. And, it couldn’t be any better well detailed than to have it crafted by John Pilger.. many will miss him, and I am one of them.
Uncle Bala –
Critical information for today’s pandemic of false narratives.
American media leads, others are gaining ground.
Share with all those who are willing to question their own conditioning.
Diane Koury –
Enlightening and eye-opening.