Mainstream Media - Douglas Murray Closing Statement

Public trust in mainstream media is at an all-time low. Critics point to coverage of COVID-19, the 2020 election, and the Ottawa trucker protest as proof that legacy outlets like the New York Times, The Globe and Mail and CNN can no longer be relied upon to provide unbiased reporting. Activist journalists are using pen and paper to push political agendas while their bosses lean into the profitability of polarization. Mainstream media’s defenders argue that their institutions offer an invaluable public service that alternative outlets are either incapable or uninterested in providing: careful fact-based reporting on important issues and holding the powerful to account. In a brave new world of “fake news” and “drive by” journalism, traditional news organizations are essential to democracy and a bulwark against corruption, misinformation and the private interests of the powerful.

Arguing for motion was the associate editor of The Spectator magazine, Fox News contributor, and bestselling author of The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray. He was joined on stage by Substack publishing sensation, former Rolling Stone contributing editor, and investigative journalist, Matt Taibbi

Arguing against the resolution was the internationally acclaimed author, podcaster and veteran New Yorker staff writer, Malcolm Gladwell. His debate partner was Michelle Goldberg, New York Times columnist, MSNBC contributor, former American Prospect senior correspondent and senior writer for The Nation.

The audience voted on this resolution prior to hearing the debate. 48% voted in favour of the resolution, while 52% voted against the resolution.

At the end of the debate, another poll was conducted. 67% voted in favour of the motion, while 33% voted against it, representing a 39% vote gain for the PRO side.

[niftyjim]

…Never heard of Douglas a year and a half ago… But he has swiftly become one of my favorite public intellectuals…

[Effrit_Haldane]

Well Malc.

The amount of times Douglas corrected him throughout this debate was nuts.
Douglas, keep on fighting the good fight.

[andrewmaher]

Malcolm’s behaviour was super disappointing. Certainly destroyed any illusions I held about him. The irony is his behaviour and tactics are almost a perfect caricature of the exact reasons we shouldn’t trust the main stream media.

[Mr.Unacceptable]

Why doesn't this video have at least 8 billion thumbs up?

[loubella]

Douglas .... A master debater. "Having different opinions is so 20th century... having different facts....is lethal"....mic drop. Note to self, never, EVER debate Douglas Murray....he will destroy you with....facts ✌🏼

[luciangross]

Sir Murray, you are an outstanding analitical historian. A real intellectual. Your aurora is a strong ray of light in the contemporary darkness !!! thousands Thanks.

[toddbeamer]

Full marks to Douglas for telling the truth.

[Mec]

Douglas Murray’s books are brilliantly written truths.

[samstits]

Douglas was so smart in this. He saw Malc’s ego and knew to go after his book and humiliate him.

[fullminsterqwerty]

The closing statement that put the nail in the coffin. Douglas is such a beast.

[Evasen]

Douglas Murray hit the nail on the head. 💯 💐👑"The job of a journalist is to tell people facts that they don't want to hear..." - George Orwell

[NOlsen]

Well done, Mr. Murray. Brilliant summation, and thoroughly enjoyed watching you put the sanctimonious, insufferable "Malc" in his place. Well done.

[mzzeker]

Absolutely brilliant. Gladwell had a difficult time in this debates, as most do when they face Douglas Murray.

[maxbean]

Douglas Murray is a hell of a debater and orator. He was on rare form here

[MsFreshadenu]

Malcolm was so disappointing and dishonest in this debate. I'm so glad that Matt and Douglas were picked for this. Tho it would have been interesting to watch Malcolm debate someone he couldn't just smear as a racist and actually have to engage. Its wild to watch someone expose themselves as racist as they're making assumptions about someone and condescending to them because of the color of their skin. Outliers was written by this guy?

[landerwyoming]

Bravo Douglas Murray, well said. I had held Malcom Gladwell in high regard however, he had revealed a level of contempt that was shocking. The audience sensed the same as well, and the lopsided debate score should give Malcom Gladwell serious pause. Thank you Munk Debates, keep up the great work!

[alanh]

Douglas Murray just said what everyone is thinking now.

[natehatf]

How is Malc’ even popular/famous? Guy is an absolute lightweight

[majbrittpauladottir]

Fantastic! How does he find his words to organise his stream of thoughts in such an elegant and strikingly accurate way? And hits the nail every time!!

[Nick_fb]

Inspiring and true. Thank you Douglas!