Pen Mightier Than the Untoward?

“It is a very ominous thing if our leading forums for discussion of public affairs are already feeling the chill of intimidation and responding with efforts to appease. I write these words very aware that I’m probably saying goodbye forever to a television platform that I enjoy and from which I have benefited as both viewer and guest. I have been the recipient of personal kindnesses from the hosts that I have not forgotten. I do not write to scold anyone; I write because fear is infectious. Let it spread, and it will paralyze us all.” David Frum in The Atlantic (Gift Article): The Sound of Fear on Air. “It is an ominous sign that Morning Joe felt it had to apologize for something I said.”

+ “Today, the divide between the ‘mainstream’ and the outsiders is not about reach. Sixty-three percent of American adults get at least some of their news from television, 42 percent from radio, and 26 percent from print publications, according to a 2024 Pew report. But 54 percent get at least some of their news from social media—meaning that, alongside established outlets, they’re relying on sources such as Infowars videos, Facebook memes, and posts on X.” Helen Lewis: The ‘Mainstream Media’ Has Already Lost.

+ “Before he has even taken office, Trump has faced down two of the country’s most prominent newspapers, inducing them to back off longstanding, well-reasoned editorial opposition. That is terrifying.” Harry Litman: Why I Just Resigned From The Los Angeles Times.