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It was pioneering broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow who said, “We hardly need to be reminded that we are living in an age of confusion – a lot of us have traded in our beliefs for bitterness and cynicism or for a heavy package of despair, or even a quivering portion of hysteria. Opinions can be picked up cheap in the market place while such commodities as courage and fortitude and faith are in alarmingly short supply.”
Murrow remains one of legendary journalist Dan Rather’s biggest heroes. And for good reason. Courage, fortitude, and faith are qualities that Rather has and still carries with him to this day. In this special episode of Higher Journeys Radio, you will get a sample of just what Murrow was speaking of, and what Rather truly exemplifies. Politics. Media – old and new. Choices in how we get important information, and the responsibility of the news consuming public to wield their ability to use logic, analysis and discernment when it comes to rendering a verdict on the authenticity of any given headline. We discussed these critical issues and more. Listen in now to this – my exclusive interview with Dan Rather.
Highlights from this exclusive interview…
- How technology is turning media into a “nanosecond” news cycle.
- Old media vs. new – what’s changed?
- How those who embrace the new media landscape will benefit the most.
- Is the constant barrage of information helping or hurting the public?
- How anonymity through technology is driving a wedge between people and human interaction.
- The burden we bear when it comes to making sense of news headlines.
- The difference between having “skepticism” vs. “cynicism” when examining news stories.
- Why it’s important NOT to buy into the first things you hear when you get “breaking news.”
- The emotional toll “bleed stories” play on the psyche of the public.
- How “silence” is the perfect refuge from the noise of news.
- How Rather’s Facebook post about Donald Trump’s tirade against the media has raised eyebrows about how journalists are now caving into powerful interests.
- The power Americans have in putting pressure on political candidates to discuss “real issues.”
- The “horse race” vs. the important issues. What will it be?
- How social media can be leveraged to send a powerful message to the candidates about what the public wants discussed, vs. “the mud slinging.”
- How some journalists are selling out to land an interview vs. asking the substantive questions.
- AXS TV’s “The Big Interview” show and his special edition entitled: “Legends Lost.”
- The loss of #Prince and the epidemic of #opioid addiction.
- Race relations and the “no comment zone.” What’s wrong here?
- The substance of real issues and how they are being demonstrably avoided.
- His current projects along with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Laurie Nadel – Courage Under Fire and Lessons from the Field.
- Quality news of integrity…Dan’s passion continues!!

“A free and independent press…is the red beating heart of freedom and democracy.” – Dan Rather
Relevant links from this episode:
Dan Rather’s Facebook Trump Post
The Big Interview Special Episode – Legends Lost (Audio interview correction: “Legends Lost” is also available on-demand via iTunes, not YouTube.)
Edward R. Murrow – Introduction to This I Believe
About Dan Rather:
With a famed and storied career that has spanned more than six decades, Dan Rather has earned his place as one of the world’s best-known journalists. He has interviewed every president since Eisenhower and, over that time, personally covered almost every important dateline in the United States and around the world. Rather joined CBS News in 1962. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1981 he assumed the position of Anchor and Managing Editor of the CBS Evening News-a post he held for 24 years.
His reporting across the network helped turn 60 Minutes into an institution, launched 48 Hours as an innovative news magazine program, and shaped countless specials and documentaries. Upon leaving CBS, Rather returned to the in-depth reporting he always loved, creating the Emmy Award winning Dan Rather Reports on HDNet. Now, building upon that foundation, he is president and CEO of News and Guts, an independent production company he founded that specializes in high-quality non-fiction content across a range of traditional and digital distribution channels.
Visit Dan Rather’s Official Website HERE.