In a keynote speech laced with wry irony and winking sarcasm, Tim Robbins managed to slap back at his right-wing critics, recount an entertaining history of radio and TV and urge broadcasters to "appeal to our better natures," saying news directors and producers have a responsibility to "the health of the nation."

Robbins also denounced television's "pornographic obsession with celebrity culture" and warned that meaningful civil discourse is being threatened by it.

Instead of the soothing and rallying bromides that fill most keynotes, Robbins' speech alternated between dire warning and stern plea.

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