It is with those words that Edward R. Murrow finished the See it Now report on Senator McCarthy. Given at a time when the public was in fear of the commie at every corner, the new program took a brave stand against McCarthy and his methods, altering public opinion, and opening the way for the legislators of the day to take a stand against McCarthy's often cruel and libelous methods.

Over 50 years later, in 2005, George Clooney decided to make a movie depicting Ed Murrow, Fred Friendly and others in the events leading up to and following these broadcasts. As we take a good look at his movie Good Night and Good Luck, we will endeavor to uncover whether or not it is an accurate depiction of the events that took place, or whether it has been altered to fit an idealized version of what occurred. We will begin by discussing a few common media theories that are used by the media to shape the message that we are given. We will uncover a little raw history about the people and events that took place, and then finally compare them to the movie to discover the historical accuracy of the depiction.

To start however, an amusing factoid. Ed. Murrows catch phrase, "Good night, and Good Luck", stems from the Battle of Britain, when Londoners would bid each other not only a good night, but good luck to live through it. He signed off one of his war time broadcasts from London in this manner, and the instant popularity of the phrase meant it stayed with him until he died.

Framing


The media theory of framing is observable in just about every type of media. Some would argue that framing is unavoidable, as it refers to the way in which information is presented that shapes the way that information is perceived. Using the word looting instead of scavenging, for example, could be referring to the same activity but creates very different perceptions in the mind of the audience.

Nowhere is framing quite as prevalent as in commercials. Nor is quite as obvious as in old commercials. Take a look at these commercials from the 1950's and see if you can spot some examples of framing.



They are everywhere. Notice how Bosco syrup boasts that it will give kids energy, and vitamin D. Passing over the fact that the energy comes from excessive amounts of sugar. Or Fluffo talking about how champion bakers use their product for sensational pies. These are all examples of framing, and each and every potential drawback is ignored, and only the benefits are lauded. I particularly enjoy the cigarette commercial reminding people to "keep smoking". The Axe deoderant commercials from our time got their idea from the Lifebuoy add which "...Drives wives... wicked." The list goes on.

Whenever a media message is manipulated to convey what the purveyors of that message want their audience to perceive, as opposed to what might actually be the truth, framing is taking place. It can be using positive language to buoy up a product, or negative language to bring one down. It can be omitting certain information when covering a news event, or even not covering the event at all. The concept of framing is widespread, and can have negative consequences. While just about every form of media uses framing, some is more insidious then others. When media lies, or omits information to spread negative ideals such as racism, even subtly, this can eventually change the way people perceive and interact with the world around them, in a process called cultivation. By constant exposure to negative framing concerning another race or culture, people will have a subconscious negative attitude toward that culture. On the flip side, constant exposure to positive framing can have negative effects as well. Just look at the ad for smoking in the movie above, and then look at how long smoking was popular even after it was determined to kill people. Many didn't believe it, as they had been exposed for so long to a positive framing of cigarettes.

This information is important, as we are going to attempt to determine whether or not the historical documentary type movie Good Night and Good Luck, is actually accurate, or whether it has been framed in such a way as to distort the truth. In order to accurately do this, we will need some back ground information, which will be provided on the next few pages of the blog. Enjoy.