    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 4, 1998]
    [Pages 327-328]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Fred Friendly
    March 4, 1998

        Hillary and I were deeply saddened today to learn of the death of
    Fred Friendly. One of the giants of American journalism, Fred started
    his career in radio, forming a partnership with Edward R. Murrow on the
    radio series ``Hear It Now,'' which became the landmark television

    [[Page 328]]

    series ``See It Now.'' To this day, the programs Fred produced four
    decades ago rank among the finest journalism of the century, exposing
    the demagoguery of Joe McCarthy, the poverty of migrant farmers, and so
    many other social ills.
        Fred was always willing to challenge the powerful. He led CBS News
    at a time when television was just beginning to demonstrate its power to
    the world. When he left CBS, Fred became a pioneer in public television
    and public television documentaries. In more recent years, he has served
    as the conscience of his industry, exploring the ethics of journalism
    and teaching and training journalists to come. Through his many writings
    and television productions, he succeeded in his goal: to force the
    American public to think.
        Our prayers today are with Fred's wife, Ruth, and their children.