“A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era”

“A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era”

Here's something that caught my eye — L. Jeffrey Zeldman points out that the phrase 'A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era' actually replaces a classic line from a 1941 film, ‘Meet John Doe.’ Now, the film warns us about how a corrupt industrialist uses the promise of a free press to manipulate democracy and push fascism. But here's where it gets interesting — Zeldman suggests that in today’s world, the idea of a 'streamlined' news source isn't just about speed or simplicity. It’s about cutting through the noise and misinformation that threaten to drown out truth itself. According to Zeldman, this shift toward streamlined media reflects a broader desire for clarity and honesty in a chaotic era. So what does this mean for you? It’s a reminder that the way we consume news shapes how we understand the world — and maybe, just maybe, we need to be more intentional about seeking out real, unfiltered information.

New signage: “The NEW BULLETIN – A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era”

Posted today for no particular reason:

“A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era” is the slogan that replaces “A free press means a free people” in Frank Capra and Robert Riskin’s 1941 classic film, “Meet John Doe.”

The threat in the film is incipient fascism led by a wealthy and corrupt industrialist who starts John Doe clubs exploiting the goodness of naive character John Doe, played by Gary Cooper, to ease his way into the White House. When he learns how he has been used, John Doe prepares to sacrifice his life to highlight the truth and prevent the industrialist from using our democracy against itself as a road to totalitarian power.

Again, the film is from 1941 and explicitly connects the destruction of a free press to the rise of homegrown fascism.

The post “A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era” appeared first on Jeffrey Zeldman Presents.

Audio Transcript
New signage: “The NEW BULLETIN – A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era”

Posted today for no particular reason:

“A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era” is the slogan that replaces “A free press means a free people” in Frank Capra and Robert Riskin’s 1941 classic film, “Meet John Doe.”

The threat in the film is incipient fascism led by a wealthy and corrupt industrialist who starts John Doe clubs exploiting the goodness of naive character John Doe, played by Gary Cooper, to ease his way into the White House. When he learns how he has been used, John Doe prepares to sacrifice his life to highlight the truth and prevent the industrialist from using our democracy against itself as a road to totalitarian power.

Again, the film is from 1941 and explicitly connects the destruction of a free press to the rise of homegrown fascism.

The post “A streamlined newspaper for a streamlined era” appeared first on Jeffrey Zeldman Presents.

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