On with Kara Swisher Judy Woodruff on Polarization, Politics, and the Media
Jan 29, 2024
Judy Woodruff, a seasoned journalist with over fifty years of experience, shares her insights on America’s growing polarization and the media's role in it. She discusses her project, "America at a Crossroads," highlighting the challenges journalists face in maintaining integrity amid misinformation. Woodruff reflects on the evolving landscape of public broadcasting and stresses the importance of journalistic truthfulness. The conversation also touches on the complexities of political divisions as we approach the 2024 election and the hopeful possibilities for unity.
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Misinformation and Resistance
- Kara Swisher's mother criticized Hillary Clinton based on a misrepresented interview.
- Swisher, who conducted the interview, corrected her mother, but her mother immediately pivoted to another criticism.
Media's Role in Polarization
- Media polarization is driven by the popularity of strong viewpoints.
- News outlets use the same polarizing tactics as politicians to attract viewers.
The Loss of Local News
- Steve Rader, a Texas rancher, valued his local paper, the Canadian Record, for covering local events.
- He lamented its closure, highlighting the loss of community chronicle.