175. LIES AGREED UPON: GEORGE SELDES AND THE AMERICAN PRESS (PART I)
Although George Seldes is one of the giants in the history of American journalism, particularly in the field of press criticism, he has been neglected and blacklisted by the mainstream press. In this three-part series we present the American TV debut of Seldes, who was a foreign correspondent from 1917-1939 and who published the alternative newspaper "In Fact" in the 1940s and l950s. Seldes wrote over 20 books and was the model and inspiration for present day activists and muckrakers like Ralph Nader, I.F. Stone and Jack Anderson. In Part I, Seldes recalls the World War I "battle" of Saint-Mihiel, which was no battle at all; his interview with Lenin; and his many talks with Mussolini, who later tried to have him killed. He analyzes press coverage of the events, showing us the lies, distortions and machinations which occurred and the people and institutions involved in them.
No copyright or dates Copyright January, 1983
176. LIES AGREED UPON: GEORGE SELDES AND THE AMERICAN PRESS (PART II)
We see post-World War I Germany and the rise of Nazism through Seldes' eyes. He vividly recalls his talks with President General von Hindenburg, his meeting with Hitler, the huge Nazi rallies in Nuremberg and Hitler's hypnotic spell over the people. Seldes describes the destruction of the Weimar Republic by the wealthy German capitalists who not only exploited and helped ruin the German economy, but also supported Hitler. Seldes specifies the pro-Nazi segments of the American press, particularly the "Readers' Digest" and William Randolph Hearst, who accepted a "bribe" to print pro-Nazi stories. Next, he relates his experiences as a reporter during the Spanish Civil War and exposes the gross censorship, distortions and lies in the press about the tragic struggle.
Copyright January, 1983
177. LIES AGREED UPON: GEORGE SELDES & THE AMERICAN PRESS, (PART III)
Seldes relates his experiences as a press muckraker in the 1940s and 1950s. He recalls his coverage of the war in Mexico and the machinations of the American press there. He tells of starting his newsletter, "In Fact," which had a nationwide circulation of almost 176,000, and which exposed the material ignored and distorted in the regular press. Seldes explains why he was blacklisted in the press, even though he had written over 20 books, some of which were bestsellers. Finally, he recalls his experience of being called up to testify before the infamous McCarthy Committee in the Senate and how the Red Scare eventually destroyed his newspaper.
Run Time: 58:59 Copyright January, 1983
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Reviewer:Granita To Go - - June 10, 2009 Subject: George Seldes Interviews - Must See! Mr. George Seldes analysis and eye witness accounts of pivotal historical events helps us understand how the media works. Mr. Seldes spoke the languages in the countries from which he reported, he met the frightening power grabbers of his time without flinching and with a willingness to share his thoughts and experiences humbly and conversationally. Must See for Media Activists, Mass Communication Students and those who want to learn History from first hand accounts.
Credits
Co-hosts: Frank Morrow and Doug Kellner
Researcher: Mike Jankowski
Technical adviser: Brian Koenigsdorf
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