What I've come to know is that in life, it's not always the questions we ask, but rather our ability to hear the answers that truly enriches our understanding. Never, never stop learning.
Lester HoltRead
As Americans, we rightfully place tremendous value on having a free and independent press. Our role as journalists is to give voice to the voiceless, and hold our leaders and institutions accountable. But the circle is only completed when that information is consumed by a free-thinking and engaged audience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of a free press and an engaged audience in a democracy.
Lester Holt's quote highlights the critical role that a free and independent press plays in society by giving a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard and holding authorities accountable. However, the effectiveness of this role hinges on the presence of an informed and critically thinking audience that actively engages with the information presented to them, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between journalists and the public.
Themes
Free PressJournalismDemocracyAccountabilityEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of democracy, I would include this quote to stress the role of journalism.
More from Lester Holt
All quotes →I never believed the anchorman should be the know-it-all. And I try to communicate that to the audience. While I have some knowledge from my years of experience, what I want to do is walk you through this because we're all walking through this together.
Lester HoltRead
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