TV for the Mind: Moyers let viewers make their own conclusions



TV for the Mind: Moyers let viewers make their own conclusions

TV for the Mind: Moyers let viewers make their own conclusions

07:42 PM CST on Thursday, December 16, 2004

Texan Bill Moyers takes his final bow tonight as host of PBS' Now With Bill Moyers, putting a bookend on a run that stretches back to 1971. At age 70, he will focus on his writing and teaching.

What stands out about Mr. Moyers' long public television career is the way in which he has taken ideas seriously and allowed his subjects to explain themselves.
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Where else could you turn to examine the power of myth, which the University of Texas at Austin graduate explored with the literature professor Joseph Campbell? Where could viewers walk through Genesis with theologians, ministers and laypeople discussing Cain, Abel and the whole Abraham clan? Or where could Americans explore the ideas in their Constitution, which a Moyers series took up during the document's 200th anniversary?

The former adviser to Lyndon B. Johnson presaged the movement of political aides into journalism. Unlike some who made that leap, he kept his distance from the hubbub of national politics. The detachment allowed the ordained minister to play the role of "subtle moralist," as columnist David Broder noted. Mr. Moyers allowed his audiences to see the ideals and the realities, Mr. Broder wrote, and determine "where the inconsistencies arise."

To be sure, Now With Bill Moyers has often resembled television's version of the left-leaning Progressive magazine. The topics tilt heavily toward the populist view. But the scholarly journalist consistently has listened to thinkers and doers from the left, right and center. And we emphasize listened.

We applaud Mr. Moyers of Marshall, Texas, for elevating the national discussion. As he has listened, we have learned.

Final hurrah

The last Now With Bill Moyers broadcast will be on KERA-TV (Channel 13) at 7 tonight.

When this story was posted in December 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

Our debt to Bill Moyers Former Peace Corps Deputy Director Bill Moyers leaves PBS next week to begin writing his memoir of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Read what Moyers says about journalism under fire, the value of a free press, and the yearning for democracy. "We have got to nurture the spirit of independent journalism in this country," he warns, "or we'll not save capitalism from its own excesses, and we'll not save democracy from its own inertia."

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December 10, 2004: This Week's Top Stories Dodd says Rumsfeld's answer was unacceptable 9 Dec RPCV Blake Willeford runs classic movie theatre 9 Dec RPCV says education is key to curbing AIDS 9 Dec RPCV Dannielle Tegeder opens exhibition 9 Dec Shalala 1st Woman In Touchdown Club 9 Dec "Today we have a new country" says Toledo 9 Dec DDN wins Investigative Reporting Award 8 Dec Celeste on Panel to study Colorado finances 8 Dec RPCV leads Rotary Club medical team to Togo 6 Dec Vasquez to speak at Hawaii, Wisconsin commencements 6 Dec Tom Murphy warns Pittsburgh on budget abyss 2 Dec Venezuela RPCV Martha Egan runs Pachamama imports 30 Nov more top stories...

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RPCV safe after Terrorist Attack RPCV Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, the U.S. consul general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia survived Monday's attack on the consulate without injury. Five consular employees and four others were killed. Abercrombie-Winstanley, the first woman to hold the position, has been an outspoken advocate of rights for Arab women and has met with Saudi reformers despite efforts by Saudi leaders to block the discussions.

Is Gaddi Leaving? Rumors are swirling that Peace Corps Director Vasquez may be leaving the administration. We think Director Vasquez has been doing a good job and if he decides to stay to the end of the administration, he could possibly have the same sort of impact as a Loret Ruppe Miller. If Vasquez has decided to leave, then Bob Taft, Peter McPherson, Chris Shays, or Jody Olsen would be good candidates to run the agency. Latest: For the record, Peace Corps has no comment on the rumors.

The Birth of the Peace Corps UMBC's Shriver Center and the Maryland Returned Volunteers hosted Scott Stossel, biographer of Sargent Shriver, who spoke on the Birth of the Peace Corps. This is the second annual Peace Corps History series - last year's speaker was Peace Corps Director Jack Vaughn.

Vote "Yes" on NPCA's bylaw changes Take our new poll. NPCA members begin voting this week on bylaw changes to streamline NPCA's Board of Directors. NPCA Chair Ken Hill, the President's Forum and other RPCVs endorse the changes. Mail in your ballot or vote online (after Dec 1), then see on how RPCVs are voting.

Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.

Your vote makes a difference Make a difference on November 2 - Vote. Then take our RPCV exit poll. See how RPCV's are voting and take a look at the RPCV voter demographic. Finally leave a message on why you voted for John Kerry or for George Bush. Previous poll results here.

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