Meaning: The quote by Don Hewitt, the influential television producer best known for creating the long-running CBS news magazine "60 Minutes," reflects his belief that the political conventions should be the domain of the politicians themselves rather than the media. Hewitt's perspective, shared by many in the media industry, raises important questions about the role of the media in covering political events and the balance between reporting the news and shaping public opinion.

Hewitt's statement emphasizes the idea that political conventions, traditionally organized by political parties to nominate their candidates for the presidency and vice presidency, should be presented as unfiltered and unadulterated by the media. He argues that the conventions should be a platform for the politicians to present their views, policies, and vision for the country directly to the public, without the interference of media commentary or interpretation. In essence, Hewitt advocates for a return to a more traditional and less sensationalized form of political coverage, where the focus is on the substance of the political process rather than on media spectacle.

The statement also touches on the concept of journalistic objectivity and the role of the media as a neutral observer of political events. Hewitt suggests that the media should refrain from injecting their own opinions or analysis into the coverage of political conventions, instead allowing the politicians to speak for themselves. This reflects a commitment to the principles of fairness and impartiality in journalism, as well as a desire to maintain the integrity of the political process by avoiding undue media influence.

Furthermore, Hewitt's quote raises important questions about the relationship between the media and the political establishment. By advocating for a hands-off approach to covering political conventions, he highlights the potential for the media to become overly entangled with the political process, potentially blurring the line between journalism and political advocacy. This speaks to broader concerns about the influence of the media on public opinion and the need to maintain a healthy separation between the press and political actors.

In the context of contemporary media coverage, Hewitt's perspective is particularly relevant given the evolving landscape of political journalism. With the rise of 24-hour news cycles, social media, and opinion-based programming, the line between news reporting and commentary has become increasingly blurred. The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a distinction between reporting the news and providing analysis or interpretation, especially when it comes to covering political events.

In conclusion, Don Hewitt's quote encapsulates a perspective on media coverage of political conventions that emphasizes the importance of allowing politicians to have a platform to speak directly to the public, free from media interference. His words prompt reflection on the role of the media in shaping public discourse and the need for journalistic objectivity in political coverage. While the media undoubtedly plays a crucial role in informing the public about political events, Hewitt's quote serves as a reminder of the need to strike a balance between reporting the news and allowing the political process to unfold without undue media influence.