[CBS coverage of Democratic National Convention]

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Seldes discusses a recent CBS coverage of the Democratic National Convention. During the opening night keynote address of the convention a documentary about the history of the Democratic party titled "The Pursuit of Happiness" was shown. CBS failed to air the film. In response, DNC Chairman Paul M. Butler "denounced the network from the platform" and sent a telegram demanding that CBS broadcast the film in full.

Seldes then reads the public exchange between CBS and Chairman Butler.
He sides with CBS in principle, stating that networks must be allowed to exercise editorial control. He goes on to discuss how the networks are "haunted" by the perception that they are a public utility and that the people are "haunted" by the prospect of networks having complete control to air whatever they feel.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 70522
Municipal archives id: LT7418