Lowell Bergman's new Frontline Documentary series for PBS on American Journalism is available to watch streamed online. The billing:
In a four-hour special, News War, FRONTLINE examines the political, cultural, legal, and economic forces challenging the news media today and how the press has reacted in turn. Through interviews with key figures in print, broadcast and electronic media over the past four decades -- and with unequaled, behind-the-scenes access to some of today's most important news organizations, FRONTLINE traces the recent history of American journalism, from the Nixon administration's attacks on the media to the post-Watergate popularity of the press, to the new challenges presented by the war on terror and other global forces now changing -- and challenging -- the role of the press in our society.
The site also offers transcripts of all the series interviews, a full script of the series, a teachers pack on the issues raised, journalist guidelines and a chance to offer comments about the programme. It's a great accompaniment. There's a Q&A between the producer, Raney Aronson, and readers of the Washington Post here.
I was invited to the launch in Washington this week, but couldn't make it. Knowing Lowell's work, I have no doubt it'll be a terrific watch when I can find four spare hours...I'll be making time very soon.
Bergman obviously can't play himself as well as Al Pacino: "'I'm Lowell Bergman, I'm from 60 Minutes. You know, you take the 60 Minutes out of that sentence, nobody returns your phone call."
Posted by: Adrian Monck | February 16, 2007 at 07:59 PM
I once asked him what it was like to have been played on the big screen by an acting legend in a successful movie. He said he could call and get a reservation at any restaurant in Manhatten. The only problem was when he turned up they wouldnt give it to him as he looks nothing like Al Pacino.....
Posted by: Richard S | February 16, 2007 at 08:23 PM