The 'See It Now' episode titled 'A Report on Senator Joseph McCarthy' was produced by Fred Friendly and aired on CBS. It was a groundbreaking television program hosted by renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow. The episode took an in-depth look at the controversial actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy, who was leading a vigorous campaign against alleged communists in the United States government and society throughout the early 1950s. The broadcast aimed to shed light on the methods employed by McCarthy, including innuendo and accusation without substantial evidence, tactics that many viewed as detrimental to American democracy and civil liberties.

Edward R. Murrow utilized his platform to present a factual and ethical critique of McCarthyism. The program included video clips of McCarthy's previous speeches and hearings, illustrating the senator's aggressive style and lack of due process for those accused. Murrow asserted that individuals should be judged not by unsubstantiated claims but by their convictions and actions. This critical perspective resonated with a public increasingly wary of the overarching power wielded by McCarthy and his allies.

The episode not only drew significant viewership but also led to conversations about media responsibility, ethics in journalism, and the broader implications of fear-driven politics. It marked a pivotal point in American media, where news and television combined to challenge the political status quo and advocate for civil rights. Following this broadcast, perceptions of McCarthy began to shift, with increased disillusionment toward his methods and motivations among the American populace.