October 29, 2001

ABC’s John Stossel is Guest Speaker at the Ramapo College Business Network

‘Freedom and Its Enemies’ is His Topic

(Mahwah) – John Stossel of ABC News 20/20 will be the guest speaker at the Ramapo College of New Jersey Business Network presentation Tuesday, November 20. A reception is scheduled at 5 p.m. and the presentation at 6 p.m. in the Pavilion. Business Network presentations are free and the public is welcome.

In his talk, "Freedom and Its Enemies," Stossel will discuss the benefits of individual freedom and free markets, and what he has learned in his 30-year journey from Portland, Oregon consumer reporter to his current job as ABC’s in-house contrarian. "Liberty," says Stossel, "is what made America great, yet little by little, Americans are giving up that liberty." He will go on to discuss:

• Who are today’s American heroes?
• Has our fear of technology led us to reject the very freedom that has lifted more people out of poverty than any society anywhere, ever?
• Might safety regulations actually injure more people than they protect?
• Why does the media ceaselessly hype unrealistic fears? Every day newspapers and television warn us of new, unsuspected dangers – from asbestos to cyclamates to the Audi 500. Stossel compares those risks to life’s real risks.

Stossel joined ABC newsmagazine 20/20 in 1981. He began doing one-hour primetime specials in 1994. His first special, "Are We Scaring Ourselves to Death?," examined exaggerated fears over risks such as crime and pollution. It was followed by "The Blame Game," which looked at Americans’ growing tendency to blame their misfortunes on others. Other specials have looked at bogus lawsuits, gender differences, the mechanics of mating and the science behind happiness.

The specials, which have consistently rated among the top news programs when broadcast, have earned Stossel uncommon praise: "the most consistently thought-provoking TV reporter of our time" (Dallas Morning News) and "has the gift for entertaining while saying something profound" (Orlando Sentinel).

Recently Stossel reported for 20/20 on a case of alleged sexual misconduct at Brown University, on teens who suffer from Tourette’s syndrome, and on why many Americans younger than 35 believe that the Social Security system will not exist when they face retirement.

Stossel is the recipient of 19 Emmy Awards and was honored five times for excellence in consumer reporting by the National Press Club. Among his other awards are the George Polk Award for Outstanding Local Reporting and the George Foster Peabody Award.

For more information on Stossel’s presentation or on the Ramapo College Business Network, please call Dr. Ron Kase, (201) 684-7287.