U.S. Propaganda

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31587, 26 January 1968, Page 14

U.S. Propaganda

Sir, —There appears to be no respite from the interminable and increasing barrage of United States propaganda inflicted on readers of “The Press” day after day and year after year. In 1967 “The Press” printed over 600 United States publicity photographs and literally scores of handouts from United States “information” services—all advertising the political and commercial wares America wants to sell. The effect, if not the purpose, of this propaganda is to brainwash New Zealanders into a witless acceptance of American politics, however damaging these poll-

tics may be to New Zealand’s national and international life. “The Press” has adopted so many characteristics of a small-town American daily (including McCarthyism and manipulation of correspondence columns) that it is rapidly losing its identity as a distinctive New Zealand newspaper.—Yours, etc., F.C. January 23, 1968.