Meaning: This quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr., a renowned educator, succinctly captures the fundamental difference between the consumption of news through print media and through broadcast media. The quote emphasizes the interactive and participatory nature of reading a newspaper versus the passive and one-sided nature of listening to a broadcast. It sheds light on the power dynamics at play in the dissemination and reception of information, highlighting how the medium of communication shapes and influences the relationship between the sender and the receiver.

When it comes to newspapers, individuals have the autonomy to select and engage with the content that aligns with their interests and preferences. Readers can choose which articles to read, skip, or revisit, and they have the freedom to interpret and analyze the information at their own pace. In essence, the newspaper "fits" the reader's program because it can be customized to cater to their specific information needs and cognitive processes. Readers have the agency to construct their own understanding of the news based on their individual perspectives, experiences, and critical thinking skills. This level of control and interactivity empowers readers to engage with the news in a way that is tailored to their cognitive and emotional capacities.

On the other hand, the dynamics shift when it comes to broadcast media, such as radio and television. In this context, the broadcaster's program takes precedence, dictating the timing, content, and format of the information being disseminated. Unlike the newspaper, where readers have the flexibility to engage with the content at their own pace, the listener must conform to the schedule and structure of the broadcast. The quote underscores the passive nature of receiving information through broadcast media, as the audience is expected to adjust to the broadcaster's agenda and delivery style.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the asymmetry of power between the broadcaster and the listener. In the realm of broadcast media, the broadcaster holds the authority to determine what information is shared, how it is presented, and the overall narrative that is conveyed. The listener's role is relegated to that of a recipient, devoid of the ability to actively shape the content or the direction of the communication. This asymmetrical power dynamic can contribute to a sense of disempowerment or lack of agency among the audience, as they are positioned as passive consumers of information rather than active participants in the dialogue.

In a broader societal context, the quote by Kingman Brewster, Jr. also raises important questions about media literacy, critical thinking, and the democratization of information. It draws attention to the significance of individuals' ability to critically engage with the news, regardless of the medium through which it is delivered. The quote underscores the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to navigate and interpret the information presented to them, whether in print or broadcast form. Moreover, it prompts reflection on the role of media organizations and communicators in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, one that is empowered to actively participate in the exchange of ideas and information.

In conclusion, Kingman Brewster, Jr.'s quote encapsulates the nuanced dynamics of communication and information consumption in the context of print and broadcast media. It highlights the interactive and participatory nature of reading a newspaper, where the reader holds agency and autonomy in engaging with the content, while contrasting it with the more passive and one-sided nature of listening to a broadcast, where the listener is expected to conform to the broadcaster's program. This quote serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the power dynamics at play in media consumption and the importance of fostering media literacy and critical thinking skills in an increasingly interconnected world.