How would the meaning of the excerpt change if mutterings was replaced with conversations?

journalism is the gathering, organizing, and distribution of news -- to include feature stories and commentary -- through the wide variety of print and non-print media outlets. it is not a recent phenomenon, by any means; the earliest reference to a journalistic product comes from rome circa 59 b.c., when news was recorded in a circular called the acta diurna. it enjoyed daily publication and was hung strategically throughout the city for all to read, or for those who were able to read.

who is marty in this situation?

being surrounded by crimes, poverty, and failing schools as well as his own lack of confidence in his abilities.