Quote by A. J. Liebling, The Press, 1961
The function of the press in society is to inform, but its role in society is to make money.
Summary
This quote suggests that while the primary purpose of the press is to provide information to the public, it is also fundamentally driven by economic motives. While the press serves as a vital source of news and knowledge, it operates within a capitalist system that necessitates generating revenue to sustain itself. Thus, commercial considerations, such as advertising revenue, subscriptions, and attracting audiences, often influence decision-making within the press industry, sometimes leading to a potential conflict between its informative function and profit-seeking role.