Meaning: The quote by Roger Mudd touches upon the significant shift in editorial judgement and ethics in the television industry during the late 1970s and '80s. It highlights the impact of deregulation by the Carter and Reagan administrations on the television industry and how it led to a transformation in the ethical considerations of editorial decision-making. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context and the events that shaped the media landscape during that period.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States experienced a series of deregulatory measures that significantly altered the media and television industry. The deregulation was a part of the broader economic policies pursued by the Carter and Reagan administrations, which aimed to reduce government intervention in various sectors, including media and telecommunications. One of the most notable pieces of legislation during this period was the deregulation of the television industry through the dismantling of certain regulatory frameworks and restrictions.

The deregulation of the television industry had far-reaching effects on the media landscape. It led to a wave of mergers and acquisitions, increased competition, and the proliferation of new channels and programming. With the relaxation of regulations, television networks and stations were granted more autonomy and freedom in their programming decisions. This shift in the industry's structure and dynamics had a profound impact on the editorial judgement and ethical considerations of journalists and media professionals.

The quote by Roger Mudd suggests that the deregulation marked a turning point in the ethics of editorial judgement. The traditional role of journalists and editors as gatekeepers of information faced new challenges and dilemmas in this transformed media environment. With increased competition and the pursuit of higher ratings and advertising revenues, there was a growing pressure on media outlets to prioritize sensationalism and entertainment over journalistic integrity and ethical reporting.

The deregulation also brought about a shift in the ownership and control of media companies. As conglomerates and large corporations gained greater influence and control over television networks and stations, the editorial independence and autonomy of journalists and editors came under scrutiny. The commercial imperatives of these corporate entities often clashed with the principles of objective reporting and ethical journalism, leading to concerns about the potential impact on editorial judgement and decision-making.

Furthermore, the changing landscape of the television industry also raised questions about the representation and diversity of voices in the media. As the industry underwent rapid transformation, there were concerns about the homogenization of content and the marginalization of certain perspectives and communities. The ethical considerations of editorial judgement encompassed not only the accuracy and fairness of reporting but also the broader societal implications of the content being produced and disseminated.

In conclusion, the quote by Roger Mudd encapsulates the profound impact of deregulation on the ethics of editorial judgement in the television industry during the late 1970s and '80s. The shift in regulatory frameworks, ownership structures, and industry dynamics brought about a sea change in the considerations and challenges faced by journalists and media professionals. It underscored the complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in navigating a rapidly evolving media landscape while upholding the principles of responsible and ethical journalism.