WIST Quotations

Fry, Stephen -- “Trefusis on Any Questions,” Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4 (c. 1987)

Dave — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:47:52 +0000

It is astonishing how articulate one can become when alone and raving at a radio. Arguments and counter arguments, rhetoric and bombast flow from one’s lips like scurf from the hair of a bank manager.

Stephen Fry (b. 1957) British actor, writer, comedian
“Trefusis on Any Questions,” Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4 (c. 1987)

Reprinted in Paperweight (1992)

Kendrick, Alexander -- Prime Time: The Life of Edward R. Murrow (1969)

Dave — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:12:11 +0000

There are those in the industry who believe broadcasting can move men, and even some who believe it could move mountains, but they are outnumbered by those who believe all it has to do is move goods.

Alexander Kendrick (1910–1991) American journalist
Prime Time: The Life of Edward R. Murrow (1969)

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)

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."

Adams, Douglas -- Broadcast (2010-10-11), Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Future, ep. 2, “Publishing,” BBC Radio 4

Dave — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:52:28 +0000

It’s important to remember that the relationship between different media tends to be complementary. When new media arrive they don’t necessarily replace or eradicate previous types. Though we should perhaps observe a half second silence for the eight-track — there that’s done. What usually happens is that older media have to shuffle about a bit to make space for the new one and its particular advantages. Radio did not kill books and television did not kill radio or movies — what television did kill was the cinema newsreel.

Douglas Adams (1952–2001) English author, humorist, screenwriter
Broadcast (2010-10-11), Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Future, ep. 2, “Publishing,” BBC Radio 4

This was a four-episode panel discussion, led by Adams, on the future of media. Adams died shortly after the final episode aired. The archived BBC Radio 4 website for the show is still online, but (ironically) requires RealPlayer.