Sinclair, Upton -- The Brass Check, ch. 38 “Owning the Press” (1919)

Dave — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:02:45 +0000

The methods by which the “Empire of Business” maintains its control over journalism are four: First, ownership of the papers; second, ownership of the owners; third, advertising subsidies; and fourth, direct bribery. By these methods there exists in America a control of news and of current comment more absolute than any monopoly in any other industry.

Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) American writer, journalist, activist, politician
The Brass Check, ch. 38 “Owning the Press” (1919)
(Source)

Murrow, Edward R. -- Interview, Television Magazine (Jul 1957)

Dave — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:45:50 +0000

If television and radio are to be used to entertain all of the people all of the time, then we have come perilously close to discovering the real opiate of the people.

Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965) American journalist
Interview, Television Magazine (Jul 1957)
(Source)

Also cited in various places as being a speech given at Brandeis University (1958), and (incorrectly) upon receiving the Einstein Award (5 May 1957). Sometimes quoted as "used for the entertainment of the people" and "used for the entertainment of all of the people."

WIST Quotations

Sinclair, Upton -- The Brass Check, ch. 38 “Owning the Press” (1919)

Murrow, Edward R. -- Interview, Television Magazine (Jul 1957)