ELECTION REPORTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26619, 15 November 1947, Page 6

ELECTION REPORTS

SUGGESTION OF BIAS EMPHATIC DISCLAIMER BY JOURNALISTS Categorically denying the accusations of political bias in news reports, made and implied by certain candidates, during the present local body election campaign in the city, the Dunedin Journalists’ Industrial Union of Workers has issued a statement taking strong exception to remarks made publicly and reflecting detrimentally on the integrity of the union members. The working journalists of Dunedin strongly repudiate the unsubstantiated attacks on their integrity made consistently by the candidates of one political party during local body and parliamentary election campaigns, as well as occasionally by some members of Parliament, the statement continues. Members of the union are not, at any time, fettered by the political opinions of anyone, and their duty as reporters is to record only the facts of what they conscientiously consider to be news of interest to their readers. A reporter strives for accuracy and integrity at all times, and he would not allow himself to be used as a propagandist for one side or the other. Members of the union, who include sub-editors with more than 20 years’ experience, cannot recall a single occa-' sion on which the facts or sense of a report have been altered because of a political motive. The statement describes as “ sheer propaganda ” the references made to the use of the “ blue pencil ” in newspaper offices. The journalist’s news sense has been created by years of experience and contact, with the public in all walks of life. Political opinions do not in any way affect his assessment of news values. Comment is reserved for the editorial column, where it rightfully belongs, and it is the aim of the working journalist to avoid comment in news reports. In conclusion, the belief is expressed that much of the criticism has been made in ignorance. Members of the Journalists’ Union are. only human, and lay no claims to perfection in their work. They do, however, take a constant pride in their craft, and at all times strive to maintain the high traditions of their profession.