My favourite all-time TV series, in fact, the “Best TV Series Ever” is The West Wing. Coming close behind is The Newsroom. Also written by Aaron Sorkin, the pilot (it ran for three seasons) was released in 2012 and I simply love it. I have recently started to watch it again, and at the end of this short speech where McKenzie McHayle (played by Emily Mortimer) lays out her manifesto for what TV News can and could be, I literally a) punched the air, b) grinned like a fool, and c) tears came to my eyes.
Great writing, particularly about things that matter to us, has the power to move us. “Nothing happens until somebody feels something” is an adage I often use with clients when they are seeking to lead brave change. Rational argument matters, yes, but it means nothing unless you can communicate, tell a story, reach the heart of your audience.
Words matter, and stories matter. Oh, and what a line “speaking truth to stupid” is!
May you enjoy some beautiful words and moving stories today.
Enjoy this one-minute clip (transcript follows below):
Will: And what does winning look like to you?
Mac: Reclaiming the Fourth Estate. Reclaiming journalism as an honorable profession. A nightly newscast that informs a debate worthy of a great nation. Civility, respect, and a return to what’s important. The death of bitchiness, the death of gossip and voyeurism. Speaking truth to stupid. No demographic sweet spot. A place where we all come together. We’re coming to a tipping point. I know you know that. There’s gonna be a huge conversation. Is government an instrument of good or is it every man for himself? Is there something bigger we want to reach for or is self- interest our basic resting pulse? You and I have a chance to be among the few people who can frame that debate.
Full transcript of the pilot episode here