Flashpoints USA with Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill Can Americans believe what they see, read and hear in the media? This overarching question is one of many media controversies examined in the second edition of Flashpoints USA with Bryant Gumbel and Gwen Ifill. In this second installment of the new quarterly series, Gumbel and Ifill turn the camera on their own profession, leading viewers through a wide-ranging exploration of the current media landscape, examining the media's credibility, decision-making processes and increasing consolidation. When's it on? Visit the Site How do you think media consolidation affects you as a consumer? What types of stories do you think news organizations should report? How do the media show patriotism in reporting? Should they? Do you think the line between news and entertainment is being blurred? What do you think is the role of the press in a democratic society? What do you think are the differences between straight news and editorials, and between reporting and analysis? What do you think are the most important of these for the media to deliver to its audiences? As you may know, the New York Times recently admitted having published artificial stories and quotes and as a result the top editors were forced to resign. How does this incident affect your confidence in today's news organizations? Do you think the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should regulate how many television stations and other media outlets big businesses may own? Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines was harshly criticized in the media earlier this year for comments she made about the current Presidential Administration. Her comments raise the question "How far is too far?" when it comes to media reporting. How far do you think is too far? Thanks to PBS member station WETA for their contribution to these discussion questions.
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