THE NEWSPAPERS
Sir,-It was interesting recently to have the contrasting points of view of Professor Musgrove and Mr. Laird on the one hand and Messrs. S, G. Gapper and R. A. Melville on the other, on such questions as sensationalism in Press reports and indirect distortions of fact. Shortly afterwards there was published throughout New Zealand by the President of the Newpaper Proprietors’ Association a complaint of the unhealthy tendency of members of local bodies to request reporters to exclude portions of Council proceedings. He also complained of -proceedings "in committee" and of the issuing of "handouts." These various questions are closely linked. An examination of the practice of local bodies in regard to reports of their proceedings indicates that the practices which prove so irksome to the news gatherer have a: justification. A simple instance in a minor key will illustrate this. Borough Cotncil A is refused by Borough Council B the use of a recreation domain for its municipal employees’ picnic. The refusal is discussed by Council A and a Councillor says it is time the Government took over the domain to preserve its fine but neglected kauri trees. It is resolved finally to approach Council B again. Now if that unfortunate remark were suppressed, the chances are the whole thing would be adjusted amicably to the benefit of residents in both boroughs. But it is just the sort of remark which constitutes the only "news value" in a dull meeting. If it is "high lighted" it will reflect on the nature lovers in Council B and may amount to indirect distortion and sensationalism. One doesn’t blame the paper for reporting it because it shouldn’t have been said. But the Council has ‘a duty to prevent that sort of report causing trouble, and if a newspaper does cause trouble the remedy lies in meetings in committee and in "handouts." ; The right of newspapers to be present at meetings and give full reports is not in question, On the other hand a local body is master of its own procedure and as an elected body: possessing the proved confidence of its electors it has a higher right than that of a private newspaper working for gain.
SMALL BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
(Wellington Province).
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19481029.2.14.1
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
New Zealand Listener, Volume 19, Issue 488, 29 October 1948, Page 5
Word count
Tapeke kupu
372THE NEWSPAPERS New Zealand Listener, Volume 19, Issue 488, 29 October 1948, Page 5
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Material in this publication is protected by copyright.
Are Media Limited has granted permission to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa to develop and maintain this content online. You can search, browse, print and download for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Are Media Limited for any other use.
Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
Log in