Journalists ‘should face real issues’

Press, 24 April 1984, Page 5

Journalists ‘should face real issues’

PA Wellington Journalists should concentrate on the real issues facing New Zealand rather than allowing themselves to become embroiled in political issues, says the president of the Public Service Association, Mr Colin Hicks. Mr Hicks said yesterday that the validity of criticisms made about the news media last week bj' the chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation, Mr lan Cross, could be partly supported. Even journalists recognised that there were improvements to be made in the production and presentation of news. But Mr Hicks said he did not agree that there were too many assumptions, speculations and judgments being presented instead of facts. “I think there is at times some unfortunate comment and comment that is some-

times made without bothering to collect all the information available to make a much more considered comment.” said Mr Hicks

But people should realise that often, immediate news was required for daily newspapers, which did not allow for the depth that might be expected in a weekly or monthly publication, he said. Criticism of radio and television journalists by Mr Cross was criticised by Labour’s Western Hutt member of Parliament, Mr John Terris, yesterday. He said that Mr Cross's criticism of journalism standards was like that of a battlefield general shelling his own troops while they are under enemy attack.

Mr Terris referred to "the spectacle" of Mr Cross “joining forces with the Prime Minister in clobbering B.C.N.Z. journalists.”