The New York University professor Neil Postman, author of "Amusing Ourselves To Death: Public Discourse In The Age Of Showbusiness", which inspired Roger Waters' last album, sadly died on Sunday aged 72, after a battle with cancer.

Postman was best known for his warning that the era of mass, popular communication (in particular, television) was stunting the minds of both children and adults. He also highlighted the use of television news, especially at times of war or conflict, as entertainment. Waters picked up on this, and Postman's ideas and influence run through the album "Amused To Death", the title itself a tribute to the inspiration.

Amongst the obituaries for Neil is this one from the New York Times today.