What role does the press play in a democracy?  Many would agree that it serves a critical “watchdog” function as a “fourth estate” that keeps an eye on the three branches of government to ensure responsibility and accountability.  It also provides vital information about local, national, and international events to enable citizens to be informed participants in governing themselves.  But what if this standard was unattainable, and not only because of the press but because of the impossibility of digesting the massive amount of information coming from the media?  In this book, one of the most prominent public figures of the 20^th century tackles these questions, critiques the state of journalism, and poses fundamental questions about the role of the press in the democratic process. [Read More…]