The James P. Jimirro Media Impact Series: Clash of the Titans: The Continuing Tensions Between the Presidency and the Press

Program: 6:30 pm
Reception: 8:00 pm

The presidency has always been confronted with an aggressive press with each president seeking a way to speak directly to the people, from the novel use of television during the Kennedy era to social media today. Franklin R. Roosevelt, considered by historians as one of the successful American presidents ever, was maligned as a dictator, warmonger, and a fascist by his enemies in the papers; but President Roosevelt was able to speak directly to the nation via his Fireside Chats on radio, a medium revived by Ronald Reagan for a weekly address. The Paley Center will bring together White House reporters, press secretaries, and historians to reflect on how presidents have tackled an adversarial press, whether with outright antagonism, such as Richard Nixon’s “war against the press,” or seeking alternative avenues to connect with the public, notably with the latest technology of the day. Our panelists will also consider the traditions of the televised presidential speech, now seventy years since President Harry Truman first addressed the nation from the White House on October 5, 1947. Relevant highlights from the Paley Center’s collection will also be screened.

 Events and participants are subject to change.