Goldberg is now a reporter for HBO. His "Arrogance: Rescuing America From the Media Elite," goes beyond "Bias" and reveals how "entrenched biases" exist in leading news organizations - newspapers to TV - and how too many media elites sneeringly dismiss anyone who criticizes them.
"If the media elite maintain their arrogance and don't change," warns the longtime CBS correspondent, "they'll cease to be serious players in the national conversation and become the journalism equivalent of the leisure suit - harmless enough but hopelessly out of date."
Goldberg's book, set for release by Warner Books on Nov. 3, features conversations with NBC's Tim Russert and Bob Costas, "a few minutes with Andy Rooney" of CBS, and examines ABC's Barbara Walters as "guardian of standards."
As for our favorite chapter title: "And the Nobel Prize for Hillary-Gushing Goes To ..."
WRITTEN WORD
We in the print trade often preach the importance of reading a newspaper to fully understand an issue that can't possibly be explained in a one-minute television sound bite.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) similarly feels that no obligation a congressman has "is greater than that of making clear to those we are privileged to represent why we vote as we do, especially on important issues."
Because allotted debate time for President Bush's proposed $87 billion appropriation for Iraq and Afghanistan will be too limited for congressmen "fully to explain themselves," Frank has outlined his position in writing and submitted it to Congress for lawmakers and Americans to read.
JUNE CLEAVER
Invitations have gone out for an Oct. 21 reception for Scripps Howard reporter Joan A. Lowy's new book, "Pat Schroeder: A Woman of the House."
Not a woman of the typical house, but a woman of the House of Representatives, where the Colorado Democrat felt she was spending too much and called it quits after 12 terms.
"The problem is, no one has time to be a family anymore because they are working so hard," the congresswoman said on the House floor in 1996. "I graduated from high school in 1958. I want to read to you what came from my high school book on home economics and how I should be a good wife.
"No. 1, it said: 'When your husband comes home, have dinner ready. Plan ahead the night before a delicious meal. Men like to be fed right as they come through the door, and they will feel very comforted if they know that they can always count on that.'
"No. 2: 'Prepare yourself at least 15 minutes before your husband is coming home. Be sure you are refreshed. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair ... minimize all noise. Turn off all machines in the house and be there at the door to greet him and welcome him home from the very, very difficult day he has had at work. Do not greet him with problems. Do not complain if he is late for dinner. Listen to him. Let him talk first. Make the evening his.'
"Now, Mr. Speaker, you show me an American home where you can practice this today, and I am going to move there," Schroeder said. "My husband and I have never been able to do this. He has wanted that kind of wife; I have wanted to be that kind of wife."
JACKSON WINNERS
We've learned this year's Jackson Awards dinner, named for the late Sen. Henry "Scoop" Jackson, will honor Reps. James H. Saxton, New Jersey Republican, and Jane Harman, California Democrat, for leadership in the fight against terrorism.
Saxton is chairman of the Armed Services subcommittee on terrorism, unconventional threats and capabilities. Harman is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the new Select Committee on Homeland Security.
The Oct. 27 dinner marks the 21st year of the Jackson Awards, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.