Wicker discusses advocacy journalism versus objective journalism, freedom of the press, and the role of the press in American society.

Robert Borisage, founder of the Center for National Security Studies, and Richard Criley, part of the Alliance to End Repression, talk about government spying on citizens and the constitutionality of it. The pair talk about corruption in the CIA and FBI and how new laws can help curb the issues. They also explain the S.1 - Criminal Justice Reform Act 94th Congress (1975-1976).

Studs Terkel speaks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about their respective books “A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam” and “Is There No Place on Earth for Me?” Further discussion is had about journalism and Neil and Susan’s collaborations together. Audio clips of when Neil Sheehan and Susan Sheehan were previously on Terkel’s program are played.

Studs Terkel talks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about objective and responsible journalism, as well as what can influence a news story. A sound bite of photographer Jerome Zerbe is played where Zerbe discusses taking photos of the upper class during the Great Depression. Another sound bite is played of a man named Joe Begley discussing how laws created during the Great Depression should have met the needs of the people better.

Eqbal Ahmad and Muhammad Yunus discuss the current state of East and West Pakistan with Studs Terkel. Topics of discussion include current food shortages, United States intervention in South and Southeast Asia, military rule in Pakistan, cultural differences between East and West Pakistan, and the human toll resulting from the military government, disease, and natural disasters. Includes an excerpt of a recording of Shanta Gandhi telling a story about an audience member’s response at the end of a play she performed during the Bengal Famine.(Wav ID: 1863201-3-1, 3-2, 3-3)

Daniel Schorr discusses his work in television and print journalism and the limitations of each. Topics of discussion include Schorr’s experiences working for CBS, reporting on and from the Soviet Union, and censorship in the news media. Schorr reads excerpts from his memoir at the beginning and end of the program.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.