Should George Do It?

There has long been wide agreement among newspapermen that a reporter who dabbles in politics tarnishes his sheen as a reporter (see below). But on the broader question of a newsman's obligations as a citizen, there has never been unanimity. Can a newsman take part in community affairs without compromising his position as a public critic?

Of course not, says Alfred Friendly, managing editor of the Washington Post and Times Herald, in leading off a debate on the subject in the current Bulletin of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. "The responsibility that goes with the press's privileged position is that of serving as an objective chronicler, watchdog, critic, and independent or extralegal check," says he. By holding "at arm's length" all requests for staffers to serve on charitable, civic and government boards, the Post has found that reporters' "criticism is sharper, the praise is less inhibited and carries a greater impact. And the news about the agencies stays clean."

Many other editors back up Washington's Friendly, J. Edward Murray, managing editor of the Los Angeles Mirror-News (circ. 307,858), notes that most projects want a reporter not "as an individual, but as a representative of a newspaper." Added Managing Editor Harvey Patton of the Detroit News: "As an old city hall reporter, I know that you are always being told things in confidence, and if a reporter belongs to a group and learns things in confidence, he can't do a good job as a reporter." Editor Fred W. Stein of the Binghamton (N.Y.) Press extends the ban to employees beyond the newsroom: "A newspaper can be thrust into an embarrassing situation on a controversial issue by actions of one of its advertising men as well as by its staff writers or editors."

To such arguments, Publisher Hugh Wagnon of Pocatello's Idaho State Journal retorts: "Ivory Tower." Although he draws the line at serving as publicity chairman, Wagnon is glad to work in other posts for service and civic groups. "I believe," he argues, "that only by working with people, can [an editor] obtain that intimate, firsthand knowledge that makes for accurate reporting, and editorial comment and criticism that is easy, natural and fair." Wagnon admits that the community-conscious reporter gets his sympathies involved with his projects, but concludes: "But you become a first-class citizen instead of a second-class citizen who leaves the work to George."

Instead of taking a firm stand, most of the nation's newspapers compromise and give George an occasional helping hand depending on the particular job. Boston Herald newsmen may not take pay for any community job, may not work for any group that is dependent upon publicity, but are encouraged to take part in civic projects outside these restrictions. Cleveland editors shy away from controversial community projects, but scramble to be identified with prestigious civic and philanthropic groups.

Compromise is especially necessary for newspapers in small towns, argues Editor Rebecca Gross of Pennsylvania's Lock Haven Express. Because such papers are bound to become involved with local affairs, she says, an editor can only rely on "the rule of good sense which makes him responsible for deciding how much time and energy he has left after his editorial duties are properly done, and whether his editorial responsibilities permit him to use it in public activities."

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