The power of television regulates our daily lives. That, according to Newton Minow and common sense, is one humanity’s defining truths. We cannot escape the fact that the media has the ability to manipulate and distort truths however they see fit. Minow obviously recognizes this by using statements such as “limitless…. for good- and for evil” and “influence… knowledge” shows why Minow sees the effect of television in general to be a prominent factor in determining the advancement of our culture.

Minow advised the public of the workings of televised programs and how they manipulate the human culture. Minow believes firmly in the fact that the public opinion of a certain topic is directly influenced by the media. To see hardcore evidence of this, all one must do is power on one’s television. Take history for example, the hurricane Katrina incident. The views of the media organization were incredibly negative towards the federal government. People, upon hearing a distorted interpretation of the full story, began blaming the government without question and without doubt. Regardless if the media was right or not, in this case they were not, most people accepted the views of the media as fact without so much as researching the true issue. Nearly all broadcasting organizations have manipulate something at least one time or more. Minow clearly and professionally identifies this and continues on to discuss how this power of manipulation can be used for either good or evil. What he means by this is that a broadcasting organization withholds the power to influence people into whatever position the organization may desire. For example, organizations often advertise on television to obtain money for their charity to perhaps, assist starving people. This would be, according to Minow, a prime example of a good power. An organization, however, that says it is a charity but in reality it uses all the money it receives for perhaps, illegal drugs is a prime example of a bad power. Again, this is according to Minow, and for the most part, his views are extremely realistic and dead-on. You will find no euphemisms or cheerful adjectives in his writings. He just lays the truth bare for all to see its naked backside, which reveals the true nature of broadcasting organizations on television.