Edward Murrow

Using partial truths, distortions, and some flat out lies in speeches and in hearings, McCarthy was a poster child for people who saw Communist conspiracies everywhere. On the March 9, 1954 episode of See It Now, Murrow systematically countered the charges McCarthy made in public. During the show, Murrow played clips of McCarthy making charges and then answered him using McCarthy’s own words. Public opinion was starting to turn and seemed to turn faster after the show. McCarthy was not happy. Because of the Fairness Doctrine, CBS was required to provide a half hour to McCarthy so he could provide a rebuttal. Murrow was a newsman who was confident and had his facts together. In contrast, McCarthy was uncomfortable and, as he tended to do in many situations, made wild accusations. McCarthy’s appearance on the show did him no favors. In the final public salvo between the newsman and the senator, Murrow responded to the specific accusations made against him. Again, McCarthy used par