In emerging democracies like Russia, in authoritarian states like Iran or even Yugoslavia, journalists play a vital role in civil society. In fact, they form the very basis of those new democracies and civil societies.

There are some situations one simply cannot be neutral about, because when you are neutral you are an accomplice. Objectivity doesn't mean treating all sides equally. It means giving each side a hearing.

And I really believe good journalism is good business.

If we have no respect for our viewers, then how can we have any respect for ourselves and what we do?

I have made my living bearing witness to some of the most horrific events of the end of our century, at the end of the 20th century.

What we do and say and show really matters.

For instance, why are we terrorizing this country, leading with murder and mayhem, when crime is actually on the decline, as somebody, as somebody mentioned?