StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson Season 5 Episode 6 News Anchor Dan Rather

In this episode of StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, legendary news anchor Dan Rather joins the astrophysicist to discuss the intersection of science and journalism. As a man who has been at the forefront of news reporting for over six decades, Rather offers a unique perspective on how the role of journalism has changed over time, and how science reporting has been impacted by political and economic pressures.

The conversation begins with a discussion of Rather's early years in journalism, and how he got his start covering science stories. Rather recalls his time covering the space race in the 1960s, and the excitement that came with being on the front lines of such a historic event. He also discusses the challenges of reporting on science, particularly when dealing with complex topics that are difficult to explain to the general public.

From there, the conversation turns to the current state of science reporting, and how it has been impacted by the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Rather expresses concern about the increasing polarization of the media, and how this has made it more difficult for journalists to present facts in an objective and unbiased manner. He also talks about the importance of science literacy in the modern world, and how journalists can help to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public.

Throughout the episode, Tyson and Rather delve into a wide range of topics, from the ethics of reporting on controversial scientific issues to the role of science in shaping public policy. They also take some time to discuss the importance of curiosity and a love of learning, and how these traits can help scientists and journalists alike to better understand the world around us.

Overall, this episode of StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson offers a fascinating and insightful look at the intersection of science and journalism, as seen through the eyes of two of the most respected figures in their respective fields. Whether you're a fan of science, journalism, or just good conversation, this episode is sure to offer plenty of food for thought.