NAEB Newsletter (Dec 1958)

making role they nevertheless play. This breakdown in the constitutional order (in the early days of our nation people elected officials, but did not, by pres¬ sure procedures, in effect make their decisions for them) is the cause of the precipitate and catastrophic decline of Western Society .... what we have seen is not only decay—but something which can be called an historic catastrophe.” In our universities and schools are many men and women who are at least as wise as Mr. Lippmann. To what extent are the dangers and concerns—and possible answers to our problems—being courageously discussed, as might be done with these resources over our facilities? Who will first bell the cat? I think we all must, together. For if we don’t provide courageous intellectual leadership and integrity, why do we exist? In our intellectuals and historians, in universities and out, we have a great repository of unused wisdom and knowledge. The tragedy Mr. Lippmann wants America to avoid is having our system disintegrate for lack of use of these available ideas. What is important is to keep in people’s minds “the traditions of how the good life is lived and the good society is governed. When they (these fabrics of society) come apart, as they have in the Western democracies, the result is tantamount to a kind of collective amnesia. The liberal democracies have been making mistakes in peace and in war which they would never have made were they not suffering from what is a failure of memory. (They) are like men who have kept their appetites but have forgotten how to grow food. The aft of governing well has to be learned.” Quoting the distinguished political scientist, Francis G. Wilson, Mr. Lippmann reminds us: “‘The transitions of society can be marked by the changing character of the intellectuals” of a nation: lawyers, administrators, executives, teachers, doctors, and the like. “It is thrpugh them that doctrines are made to operate in practical affairs. And their doctrine, which they, themselves, have learned in the schools and universities, will have the shape and the reference and the direction which the prevailing philosophy gives it.” Perhaps this suggests to us where we should get much of the “talent” for our programs. And per¬ haps, in an age when the principal philosophy dis¬ bursed is that of advertisers, appealing to the individual’s selfish, personal motives (prestige, pleas¬ ure, leisure) rather than society’s overall good . . . perhaps this suggests the counter-balance we should be throwing into the scales, to help stem what Mr. Lippmann sees as the “progressive barbarization” now occurring. Next month, in the second and shorter part of the article, using Mr. Lippmann’s book as a “consultant” I shall try to suggest more specific ways and tech¬ niques in which we might attack this problem. Mean¬ while, I should be glad to hear from any of you who have anything to add or contribute. * * * * * A few weeks ago we. mailed to all institutional members of the NAEB (Actives, Associates, Affili¬ ates) a digest of information and guidance regarding Title VII of the National Defense Education Act. Individual members who believe they might qualify will be sent a copy on request. We should like to call the attention of our mem¬ bers, however, to the fact that there may also be possible projects which might qualify for support under Title III as well. This has to do with programs of instruction in Science, Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages instruction. From the wording of the bill, fund's for equipment and minor remodeling as well as other expenses, seem to be available. Since these are administered through the respec¬ tive State authorities, however, rather than on direct application, this would require you to investigate the channels and procedures set up for each state. A letter to your state education office (variously titled “Superintendent of Public Instruction”, etc.) would be the best starting point. Because of this different procedure, we are unable to give you as specific guidance as we are for Title VII. But we hope radio and television will be well represented in this group¬ ing as well. PLACEMENT SUPPLEMENT December I - Young family man, 27, with M.S., wishes re¬ sponsible position with broadcasting organization. Well versed in broadcast production, research and administrative functions. Licensed teacher. Versatile, imaginative, energetic. Will locate anywhere. $5200 minimum. December 2 - Program director or manager with 8 years ex¬ perience in VHF, UHF and closed circuit TV. For¬ mer art and film director. M.A., married, 34, male. Desires position in open-circuit TV. Prefers New England but will consider other locations. $7500-8500. December 3 - B.A. and M.S. TV major. Four years as com¬ mercial producer/director. Past two years as TV engineer in progressive ETV station. Seeking more responsible position as station manager, production and/or program manager with ETV station or Univer¬ sity. 44, married, male. Prefers West. $6500-8000. December 4 - Energetic young man, 21, with Associate in Ap¬ plied Science degree in Telecasting. Seeking oppor¬ tunity as director or floor manager. Single. Prefers Middle-west. $75/week. December 5 - Production technician. B.A., 22, single male. Experience in commercial TV. Desires more experience and exposure in ETV production. Location of no concern. $ 100/week. December 6 - Young married man, 21, desires position in educational broadcasting. Commercial experience. A.B. Can do most anything: announce, write, pro¬ gram, music, art, produce, direct. Prefers East or West. $300/month take home pay minimum. NAEB Newsletter, a monthly publication issued by the Na¬ tional Association of Educational Broadcasters, 14 Gregory Hall, Urbana, III. $5 a year, edited by Nancy Whitmore. DECEMBER 1958 3