FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Evening Star, Issue 21890, 29 November 1934, Page 14

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

The necessity for the freedom of the Press was emphasised by Mr Henry J. Whittick, editor of the Wolverhampton ‘ Express and Star,’ in his presidential address at the annual conference of the British Institute of Joinnalists. He said: — “This is an issue -which constitutes a. menacing challenge a challenge which we shall not shirk. Indeed, we shirk it at our peril and at the peril of the people, because a free Press is indeed the rock of liberty. Ihe world, slowly recovering from the shattering effects of a war unparalleled in history, is searching for light, hoping for the ultimate good. „ “ Without the illummant a tree Press alone can supply,” he continued, “ the nations are threatened with Stygian gloom and left the prey of suspicion and misunderstanding. “To know that two-thirds of the world’s people are under the iron rule of censorship must arouse in this free country the gravest misgiving. _ The position baffles description, and it is unquestionably ,a throwback to the ages when men nursed their fears, trembled before oppressions, and were afraid even of the thoughts which, by a divine dispensation, are given to each and all as the elemental function of humanity’s progress and welfare. “ The Press of the world must be entirely free. Official versions handed but to a muzzled Press become a dope, evil in its effects, leaving the victims a pitiable spectacle, because those in whom freedom of conscience has been implanted are left in a condition worse than that of the slave enchained. “ We are suspicious of any system which admits of the persecution of opinion, the suppression of free discussion of affairs, or the dissemination of current news.

“It is more than ever essential that news should be thoughtfully and clearly presented day by day, and that it should be helpfully, interpreted. “ This calls for the highest type of journalism, for able pens, sound judgment, and conditions which will encourage all writers to give of their best. “ It is the duty of journalists to cultivate a nation of thinkers. A nation which refuses to think is imperilled. Newspapers must make their contribution to the thought of the nation. “It is easy to see how vastly important is the influence of thoughtful and responsible writing. It makes for national sanity. It means that democracy will really function as it should, and that it will be an educated democracy. It means that instead of scrambling for circulation by methods which are degrading, wasteful, and calculated only to provoke derision there should be the fullest realisation of the hue functions of the newspaper. Many of us would never have given our !,ves to journalism if we thought that, our task is merely to cater for sensation or scandal. “ In London, journalists are in direct contact with Ministers of State,” he said. “ They have a great opportunity of getting news. Thus a vast responsibility rests upon them. It seems to me that the greatest compensation in the

provinces lies in the clearer perspeotive. It may be possible to have too close a view—not necessarily wrong op distorted—but too close, sometimes, to see the situation in its completeness and significance.”