Brokaw’s Bad Advice

Tom Brokaw has advice for his chosen successor Brian Williams:
“Put your head down and do the work, and don’t read the many media critics who will be out there with commentary and criticism in the beginning. Your compact is not with them but with the audience.”
You know, I was just thinking that what network news needs is anchors who are less open and responsive to criticism.
But Brokaw’s advice is misguided on a more fundamental level: he draws an artificial distinction between “media critics” and “the audience”.
News flash: they are now one and the same (see also: blogosphere). Every viewer can be a media critic and contribute their feedback and ideas. And despite Mr. Brokaw’s counsel, Mr. Williams would serve himself, his network, and his audience well if he learned to listen…