Good Night and Good Luck

By Jessica De Vivo

In the classic film, Good Night, and Good Luck, the archetypal journalist from CBS News, Edward R. Murrow, stated, “This instrument [the television as it portrays the news] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends.” Murrow realized that the media had a duty to perform in illuminating Senator Joseph McCarthy’s actions regarding the communist scare. It must shed light on the truth, even when the truth is ostracized.

“Journalism’s first loyalty is to citizens,” as Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel stated in The Elements of Journalism (pg. 36). Murrow acknowledged this crucial factor and portrayed the truth to his viewers, even when his career was at stake. The media is responsible in its role of informing the public, even if it is not what they expect to hear. Murrow showed integrity in sticking to this responsibility. In Murrow’s loyalty to the citizens of the United States, he was also a slave to the truth. As a journalist, verification and truth-seeking may not be the easiest path to follow, but it is the righteous one. Journalists must keep their eyes fixed upon the old-time figure of Murrow and remain steadfast in their integrity.

The Role of Journalism in the Civil Rights Movement

By Jessica De Vivo

The televised media brought the atrocities of the Civil Rights Movement to Americans’ living rooms. The images resembled that of a horrific nightmare, only they could not be shrugged off in the morning; they were real and were happening to real people. Through journalism, the truth of what African Americans experienced was disclosed, even if people had previously refused to acknowledge its existence.

“All That Jazz” at Gordon College’s Homecoming

By Jesse Poole and Jessica De Vivo


Gordon College jazz ensemble, the Coy Pond Piranhas, was heard echoing from the Philips Music Center courtyard on the evening of Homecoming, Saturday, October 10. Conducted by music professor David Rox, the band featured both students and community members, with a majority of student musicians. Alumni, faculty, students, and parents still ventured out to experience “all that jazz,” despite the chilly, fall weather.

The finger-snapping music included the hit number, “Night and Day,” featuring the voice of Evangelyna Etienne ’12, music education major from Saugus, Ma. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Etienne, “you get to work with the whole band.”

Most of the pieces, however, were purely instrumental. “Have You Met Miss Jones,” “Big John’s Special,” and “La Suerte de Los Tantos,” were just a few of the songs performed. “It’s a great outlet for me,” said electric bass player, Sara Gassert ’10, music education major from Hingham, Ma.

Between 170-175 audience members attended the performance. Many found the “feel-good” music and laid-back atmosphere enjoyable. “I could sit out here for hours,” said Karen Curran, parent of a Gordon student. The talent of the group was outstanding. “The group is so together while still being relaxed,” said Alicia Tirrell, ’10, music education major from Mansfield, Ma. “I’m just amazed at how professional they sound,” said Curran.

After providing enjoyment to the Homecoming scene for at least 15 years, the jazz ensemble has been a major hit at Gordon College. “Jazz music helps you loosen up,” said spectator Ian Good, ’11, music performance major from Pocasset, Ma. The music department’s tradition has continued to bring nothing less than excellence and pure bliss.