Umatilla county is concerned. Our only advice to the warring factions has been that they keep their shirts on, bearing in mind the fact that the other fellow is usually better than you think he is.

On the state of free publicity for entertainments, etc., the writer will not commend the East Oregonian as a model for anyone to follow. The paper has been an easy mark. Once we sought to have the School of Journalism tell us what to do, but their suggested rules were rather general in terms and almost too scholarly for practical use. We do not use civil service notices, and when Uncle Sam wishes a new janitor for the federal building or some new stenographers we decline to make a news item out of something that should be carried as a want ad. We have been over-generous toward local entertainments and quite frequently find our good nature imposed upon. We often devote much good space to exploiting affairs for the high school, the women’s club or other organizations

newpapers do not present the news in a

fair and impartial manner.

a good newspaper is its ability to print news even though the facts be very dis tressing from the standpoint of that newspaper’s own views. There is a widapread impression that

the danger of lop-sided news

and find they place their job work with a cheaper shop. Theoretically we insist

reports

The press associations come in the same

category, for they are also under suspicion. At times their reports bear the earmarks of propaganda all too plainly.

On the East Oregonian we have given considerable thought to the subject of news fairness. We have endeavored to guide writers by a set of rules governing

the news office. The following extract from those rules will show their tenor:

There is,

however, a justification for their com plaint, and if the press wishes to retain public confidence it must guard againsst

“The newspaper business is a high calling.

It offers great opportunities

for service and involves responsibilities. If you do not find the work congenial, if you are not enthused by

that tho<c sccl<ing_' publicity for paid af fairs must make their peace with the business office. This is not sufficient, however. and we need reformation. We have recognized the fact since 1877.

its possibilities or do not wish to ob

requirements of a good news reporter.

Tn conclusion I will broaden my sub ject smncivliat with a general word upon the subject of propaganda. The exist ence of so man-v publicity bureaus and

Get both sides of a story, be just in handling the facts. Don’t do anything as a ne'spaper worker that you would not do as a man or a woman. “Remember that all the people here ahouts are our friends and neighbors.

publicity a;_-cuts inclines to the view taken by many people that the American news paper is no longer a real newsgiver but

serve the ethical requirements of good journalism, you should go into some

other line of work. “Accuracy and faimess are the main

We wish

an organ for the dissemination of propa

them.

ganda in favor of one cause or another. The public has a right to expect that news reports be accurate and fair, that when

generous

a subject is in controversy both sides be presented. To suppress news that ap pears as unfavorable to the expressed

policies of a paper and to unduly empha sim stories that bear out its policies is not good journalism. One of the tests of

to help

people, not hurt

We desire to be as kind and as

possible,

yet

we

must

publish news fearlessly and impartially when the public interest demands and we must not be deterred by friend ship. Be extremely careful where a story reflects upon a man’s good name and doubly so and then some when the good name of a woman is involved.

[13]

Write nothing in malice or for revenge.