Frank Bennack reflects on media's past, future in new book
A giant in the world of media and business said it is more important than ever for journalists to get it right.
From the future of newspapers to fake news, the man who has led and guided media for decades weighed in Thursday morning at the National Press Club. With a lifetime dedicated to journalism and the business of journalism and the media, Frank Bennack makes the case for the high road, from the front office to the front page.
"You've got to keep your print product at the highest quality," Bennack said.
The former CEO of Hearst Corp. for nearly 30 years and its current executive vice chairman, Bennack shares his life story in his new book, "Leave Something on the Table." He reflected on a changing industry and the future of the business.
From his childhood in Texas as the son of a postman, to a bigger-than-life career described as the American dream, Bennack argues that the facts have never mattered more.
"'Fake news' goes through me like a knife when I hear that because I hope nowhere are we engaged in fake news, and nowhere do I think we are engaged in fake news," Bennack said.
In a conversation with MSNBC's Chris Matthews, Bennack opined about the state of newspapers.
"It's a tough fight, but my confidence level is not only high, but rising," he said.
About Facebook and social media, Bennack said, "I never would have believed in 60 years in the business that our government would allow two to three firms to get to the size of them with zero interference."
He also addressed a media under attack, saying, "We just simply are an easy whipping boy for what people don't like about their lives or society."
Bennack reflected on what, by all accounts, has been a wonderful life, and while his book isn't a tell-all on the Hearst family, he believes it tells all we need to keep getting the story right.
"The future of our business, in some ways, the future of the country, is resting on how good a job we do in the media," Bennack said.
In a divided and polarized culture, especially in Washington, Bennack said something not heard often these days, "The other guy doesn't have to lose for you to win."