Murrow vs. McCarthy vs. CBS

By Lisa Merklin
lm382405@ohio.edu

The public struggle between newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy as showcased in "Good Night, And Good Luck" combines ethical dilemmas with a real life historical situation. The film’s almost seamless blend of archival news footage with acting gives the impression of historical accuracy. The events in the film are true to life.

Senator McCarthy’s Communist witch-hunts in the early 1950s provided fodder for Murrow’s ethically aware arguments that claimed McCarthy was overstepping his authority. Despite network pressure and the risk of losing advertising revenue, Murrow persisted. He felt he had an ethical obligation not only to report the news, but also to challenge it.

Did Murrow have a “beef” with McCarthy? Did he editorialize in his criticism of McCarthy’s tactics? The government already was well represented in the media, Murrow argued, but fear of retribution suppressed the other side of the argument. One of the main functions of the press is to act as the watchdog of the government.

The most striking element of Murrow’s broadcasts was Murrow’s ability to explain the methods and justifications for what he was presenting on CBS. Transparency became one of the factors that boosted Murrow’s credibility over Senator McCarthy, who attempted to smear Murrow with claims of Communist involvement. Murrow’s reputation as the respected “See It Now” anchor allowed viewers to trust him and producers to support him. Few other newsman less established than Murrow had the means to openly express such sentiments.

One newspaper called Murrow’s report “journalism of responsibility and courage” while another wrote it off as “explosively one-sided propaganda.”

I found it interesting that Murrow compromised by signing the loyalty oath to remain employed with CBS, and that he had to make sure his reporters were “clean,” with no Communist connections.