# Editor & Publisher/Volume 85/Issue 51/Newspapers of Deep South Liberalize Negro Policies

Newspapers of Deep South Liberalize Negro Policies
Survey Shows Significant Change In News Style, Pictures, Personnel
By Robert W. Brown
Editor, Columbus (Ga.) Ledger
More than one-half of 34 Deep South daily newspapers responding to a survey are using the titles “Miss” and “Mrs.” in referring to Negroes, and some of them are using the title “Mr.”
Eleven of the 34 have a daily or weekly column of Negro news, six have a daily or weekly page devoted to the Negro community, and all but four use pictures of Negroes to illustrate news or features.
These facts disclose a significant change in attitudes of the press toward the Negro in the last decade. They also indicate that a new field for Negro professionals is opening in the Deep South—that of journalism.
10 Have Negro Reporters
Ten of the 34 newspapers have Negro reporters on their staffs Four are contemplating adding a
The Clarksdale (Miss.) Press Register, serving a population approximately 50-50 white and colored, has six Negro correspondents on a string basis. Managing Editor Harry B. Abernethy wrote
that while the newspaper has not been using the courtesy titles, he is finding the policy “increasingly difficult to follow, and we are considering a change. (The Press Register “integrates” Negro news, instead of separating it in a special
column or on a page designated for the purpose.)
Editor Marian D. Gaines, Pensacola (Fla.) News-Journal, argues for “integration” as against “segregation” of Negro news. The News-Journal uses the titles, and
also stresses Negro pictures when
published in a “con- structive” sense. The use of photos
showing Negroes in constructive
1952
* vu. uuuu.g - activities, by thc Way, has become
N.^o -,ua,[fi«i- for fbo work. ~Srs,'"rJor,% "S The survey questionnaire was tn .
‘We refuse to print special col-
social and economic, as well as
journalistic, factors in the new T"" if
trend toward a more liberal treat- ^egro news shou d stand on Us ment of the colored community. according to ^
Socially, it was developed that Barnes wrote. Most newsfmpers ^ A* With sDecial pascs do not go to mauprating ‘JbscrilJrf. Thus whites do
liberal Negro news policies have
had few or TO protests from white know of the good activities subscribers. (One newspaper re- Negro citizens, ported that all of its complaints Policies Detailed
had originated in the composing State-by-state, here are some of
room.) the findings (reporting, of course.
And economically, there was a only on those newspapers which close and not unexpected correla- responded to the questionnaire): tkm between a progressive Negro Alabama
news policy and the number of Anniston Star —Publishes Sun- Negro subscribers. In one instance, day Negro news column, using however, a newspaper reported titles, publishes photos of Negroes objections from advertisers who in constructive activities; employs did not want their ads appearing Negro to run Sunday column, on pages carrying columns of Ne- Birmingham News —Carries dai- gro news. |y Negro news column, using
Considering a Change titles; publishes constructive pho-
Some of the comments accom- employs Negro to handle
panying the survey were interest- (straight salary), and provides ing and revealing of the new him with Negro news service, •bought in the Deep South. Dothan Eagle — Runs weekly “Frankly,” wrote Publisher H. M. Negro news column, uses titles Ayers, Anniston (Ala.) Star, “I both in column and ROP, pub- •hink it is rather stupid for us not fishes constructive photos, and em- •o use the word ‘Mr.’ or ‘Mrs.’ in ploys Negro (space rate) to all c^es, as it is difficult fully to handle column, identify a person when this is not Montgomery Advertiser — Car- •kJne.” (The Star carries a Sun- ries daily-weekly Negro news page Negro news column, edited which goes to Negro subscribers hy a Negro with “full free rein,” only, with titles used on this page, ^d runs “pictures of prominent News of “sufficient interest” is Negroes occasionally.”) picked up for white edition. Negro
editor & PUBLISHER for December 13. 1952
photos used in white edition only in exceptional cases. Employs Ne¬ gro to handle page (salary).
Selma Times-Journal —Publishes daily Negro news column, using titles in column only, uses photos ROP on features or constructive news, employs Negro for column (salary).
Tuscaloosa News —Uses titles ROP, with ao daily or weekly col¬ umn or page, uses photos, particu¬ larly of Stillman college activities, no Negro employed, none contem¬ plated.
Arkansas
El Dorado News —Has no Negro news column or page, does not use titles, but “encourages Negroes to give us news of their activities and occasionally used pictures, has no Negro on staff, does not contem¬ plate adding one.
Little Rock Gazette —No col¬ umn or page, uses “Mrs.” and “Mr.” in obits; handles pictures “without discrimination” ROP, has no Negro on staff, but contem¬ plates employing one.
Texarkana Gazette —Uses titles ROP, has no special column or page, uses constructive art, em¬ ploys no Negro and doesn’t plan to.
Georgia
A ugiista Chronicle — Dropped daily page which went to Negroes only in favor of Sunday page to all subscribers, titles used on page only, employs Negro news editor and assistant, with office main¬ tained in Negro district. Also publishes daily obit column for Negroes, using titles therein.
Negro Page for 30 Years
Gainesville Times — Uses titles ROP, no special column or page, publishes constructive art, and has “tried to obtain a Negro correspon¬ dent to cover community and do weekly personal column, but never found a “capable person.”
Macon Telegraph — Has carried a Negro news page for 30 years, going to Negro subscribers only, publishes constructive art in both editions, but uses titles only on Negro page. Employs Negro edi¬ tor for stipulated fee.
Columbus Ledger —Uses titles ROP, publishes constructive art, employs no Negro but contem¬ plates doing so.
Thomasville Times-Enlerprise — Uses titles ROP, publishes con¬ structive art, employs no Negro, no plans for one.
Louisiana
Alexandria Town Talk — Does not use titles, has no column or page, submits photos to “ordi¬ nary test of newsworthiness,” em¬ ploys no Negro, contemplates none.
Mark 125th Year Of Negro Press
Chicago—A dinner, observing the 125th aniversary of the first American Negro newspaper, was held here, Dec. 7. The meeting marked the opening of a drive by the Chicago Urban League to raise S 100,000 for a new headquarters.
Enoc Waters, Jr., executive ed¬ itor of the Chicago Defender, told of the original Negro newspaper. Freedom’s Journal, started in New York in 1827 by John B. Russwurm, who was the first of his race to receive a college educa¬ tion in America.
The speaker said names given to early newspapers were indica¬ tive of their militant character.
Baton Rouge Advocate and State Times —Uses titles ROP, usK con¬ structive art, employs no Negro, contemplates none.
Mississippi
Clarksdale Press Register —Does not use titles, but considering change, publishes weekly Negro news column and also spot news daily ROP, uses constructive art, and employs six Negro correspon¬ dents (space rate).
Columbus Commercial Dispatch —Does not use titles, does not use pictures, has no Negro on staff and contemplates none, but uses Negro news ROP according to newsworthiness.
Greenville Delta Democrat — Uses titles ROP, carries no column or page, uses constructive art, em¬ ploys no Negro but has organized plan of covering the community, and contemplates hiring Negro.
Gulfport Herald — Uses title “Mts.” ROP, with no column or page, uses pictures of Negroes only in sports section, has no Negro on staff, contemplates none.
Florida
Lakeland Ledger —Not presently using titles or running special page or column, but using sports pic¬ tures and newsworthy items ROP. “Our paper is expanding and we plan to give organized weekly cov¬ erage to Negroes eventually, pos¬ sibly with special page, including pictures,” reports Editor Harris G. Sims.
Miami Herald —Uses title “Mrs.” ROP, has no special column or page but “is studying steps to ex¬ pand its coverage of Negro news” . . . finds Negro leaders feeling that separate column or page “is carrying segregation into the news¬ paper.” Covers newsworthy Negro events, includes Negro schools in annual Herald Essay Contest and contest winners met with white at presentation luncheon this year with no complaints. In time, might employ Negro reporter.
Constructive Art
Pensacola News-Journal — Uses titles ROP, no column or page, uses constructive art, employs no (Continued on page 76)
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delegates complained bitterly that
they were forced to abstain from
Santiago, Chile—A World Con- time winner of the Maria Moors gress of Journalists closed Dec. 6 Cabot award for journalism), with official ceremonies at the sea- Senor Silva contended that the
side resort of Vina del Mar, after word “state” did not assure suf
four days of stormy sessions in ficient regard for the rights of the . . ...viv,
this capital. individual. He moved that the membership would be compri^d occasionally'in using “Mrs.” ROP
Resolutions of four sub-corn- word “state” be replaced by the working journalists as indivi- constructive art emninvl
mittees—Freedom of the Press, words “individuals of the nation.” duals. lAPA, at its last meeting part.tjme.
International Organization of Jour- After a two hour debate the fol- October, voted to maintain North r^Roi ina
voting, because they had not un- continued from Page 9
H derstood the issues under debate.
Ilfl ^1 1 VF (All American delegates and ob-
V servers understood Spanish).
Negro Policies
continued from Page 9
Negro and contemplates none. (See previous comment.) Editor Marion T. Gaines reporting.
Tallahassee Democrat — Does not use titles ROP, but has regular Negro news page and uses titles there, has "experimented" occasionally in using "Mrs." ROP, uses constructive art, employs Negro part-time.
Ouen to Individuals
time winner of the Maria Moors ^ •
Cabot award for journalism). , speakers emphasized
Senor Silva contended that the that the pro^sed world congress word “state” did not assure suf- would differ from the Inter Amer-
ficient regard for the rights of the Pre^ Association in that its “experimented"
ficient regard for the rights of the Press Association in that its
■individual. He moved that the membership would be comprised word “state” be replaced by the working journalists as indivi-
nalism. Rights and Duties of Jour- lowing compromise was reached: membership by periodicals, nalists, and Open Themes—were . . freedom of information and One of the resolutions protested
debated in three plenary sessions, opinion which is a guarantee of the lack of guarantees for news- presided over by Senor Juan Pa- the right of the state (all individ- papers in Columbia and Venezue-
cull, president of the Santiago uals, political and social sections), la. Another deplored the assassina- Circulo de Periodistas, organizers to report and obtain news, and tion of a Dominican pamphleteer P rhnr
North Carolina Asheville Times — Uses titles ROP, has no special column or page, uses constructive art, does not employ Negro and doesn’t
uc M fu rtpuri anu uifiain news, ana iiuii %ji a r'hnrir^ttfi V/»ujc ITc^c ti*»W
of the Congress. A fourth plenary express opinion through every in New York and a broadly oqd u_,. __ op-cial cnliimn nr
session was abandoned because journalistic medium.” Carried to worded statement condemned the ’
of a tight time schedule. the vote, the amended motion was closing of newspapers for political P, ’ * ^ i ' •*
On hand were 123 delegates passed 22 to 3, with two absten- nurnoses anvwhere in the world. P oesn t p an to.
and observers from 22 nations, tions.
purposes anywhere in the world.
Greensboro News — Uses titles
and observers from 22 nations, tions ^ ^ Mr. Brewer reported that the j,as no special column or
They included representatives from Thus the only all-out Commu- most concrete achievement of the constructive art em-
most Western Hemishpere coun- nist effort of the Congress was meeting was the formation of a pjoyg’ pp Negro and doesn't
tries — Britain, West Germany, effectively turned back, and sub- Latin-American Confederation of P|^^
France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, sequent debates proved that this Journalists by representatives Jrom P iyi„gton-Salem Journal _Uses
Yugoslavia and India. Iron Cur- issue was considered by the Com- 11 countries. The proposal, offered
tain countries were not repre- munists to be the most important by Chilean delegates, carried by , Necro news uLs construe
sented. of the Congress. acclamation. Its stated purpose is Page of Negro news, uses construe-
The two official American dele- Resolutions of the sub-commit- defend the freedom of the press gates were Scott Seagers (former (gg pp jjjg Rights and Duties of and of information and to “respect
editor of Americas), and David A. Journalists, principally concerned dignity of journalists in all
Phillips (publisher of the South ^nh the betterment of the news- professional activities.”
Pacific Mail). Observers were: paperman’s standard of living. Mobile Headquarters
Pacific Mail). Observers were: paperman’s standard of livi Sam BrewCT (New York ^g^g approved without debate.
Times), Ludlow Denny (Scripps- ..
Howard), Irving Kalin, Wall 32 Rap.d-F.re Motions
Street Journal and Washington final session of the Con-
their professional activities.” Mobile Headquarters A committee headed by Juan
our Negro alderman and Negro fire¬ man”), employs one full-time Te- porter and one part-time (both on salary).
Tennessee
Chattanooga Free Press —Does
Honorato of the Santiago news- ppt use titles generally, but some- paper El Debate was formed to times uses “Mrs.”, has no special
Post) members of the Press At- Sress—Open Themes—closed long prepare a draft of statutes and column or page, uses constructive lache office of the Embassy and “f^cr dark on Friday. Thirty-two present it within four mOL*.is to employs no Negro and doesn't Col. Abraham, a U. S. public rela- motions of a general nature (erec- me prospective members. plan
tions firm representative in Brazil. of monuments to national Founding members of the new Chattanooga Times —Uses titles
During the opening plenary ses- Press pioneers, facilities for travel- body are from Argentina, Bolivia, rqp, does not have special column
sion delegates unanimously ap- Img newspapermen, creation of Brazil, Chile, Cuba, the Dominican or page, uses constructive art, for-
proved a project destined to estab- schools of journalism, etc.) were Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, mcrly employed a Negro reporter,
lish the first World Organization passed, as Santiago’s La Nacion Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. For but doesn’t now.
of Journalism. Concrete details P“* '*• ‘ hundred miles per the first three years, headquarters
of the actual setting-up of this hour.”
will be in Santiago and will be
body have been left to the next Delegates had expected that one move Congress, provisionally slated to of the hottest issues of the Con- hon meet in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in gress would be the circulation of time.
Special Column
Kingsport News — does not use
Delegates had expected that one moved by vote of the Confedera- rqP special column
hntfpct rtf f^nn- tion €vcry thrcc years after that .
in which titles are used, uses con¬ structive art, employs no Negro
1954. A few minutes before the American publications printed in Mr. Brewer said there had been bas no plans to.
vote on this measure, originally Spanish for distribution in South some expectation that the Argen- Ridger _Uses
offered by the Chilean delegation, America—with special emphasis tine delegations to the world Con- jjtles ROP, has abandoned special a Uruguayian motion deleting a on Life en Espanol and Vision, gress would try to organize an column u^s constructive art with clause which called for the estab- The delegate from Guatemala “Anti-Yankee” movement with the “positively no discrimination," has lishment of national and local did raise the point, asking the as- collaboration of Communists or Negro on staff but “might if news agency services, was carried sembly to boycott such magazines, fellow travelers among those at- . . onniirani ’’
by the assembly. No action was taken, as the tending the Congress, but this did
Longest and most frenetic dis- assembly considered the subject not materialize
Texas
Dallas News — Uses titles ROP, does not have special column or
cussion durine the Concress cen- outside the jurisdiction of the “Some observers professed sur- Valias Jews uses titles iso , tered around Freedom of the Press Congress. prise when the United States dele- does not have special column «
—and especially the definition of Consensus of Western opinion gate, Scott Seegers, voted with the page, uses cons rue ive a ,
that term. In the closing session was that the Congress produced Argentines for a resolution favor- no emp oy egro an
a score of impassioned speeches many admirable aspirations, little tng the development of small, re- P ans o. were made by left-wing and Com- tangible results. Some observers gional news agencies to prevent a Worth Star-1eiegra
munist delegates defending their felt that the proceedings were monopoly of news by big organy Does not use titles, does no phraseology which defined Free- hampered by lack of organization zations,” Mr. Brewer has reported, special column or page, dom of the Press as “. . . freedom and an excessive display of splen- “They apparently believed opposi- sports ^^pictures, but rarely e ■of information and opinion which did hospitality which, unfortunate- 1'°^ between the United States and where, employs no Negro is a guarantee of the right of the ly, sometimes interfered with the Argentina was automatic. In any doesn t plan to, but relies on slate (all political and social sec- business at hand. Another criticism case the motion was defeated. groes to report to the newspapo
tions), to report and obtain news, was leveled at translation facil- The Yugoslav delegate, Anton on lodge and church meetings, ec.
■and express opinion through every journalistic medium.”
ities. Although the official bro- Smote, sided with the delegates chure of the Congress had pro- from democratic countries, though
Virginia
Richmond News Leader — Uses
This terminology was hotly mised simultaneous translations he attended as a Communist, titles ROP, has no special coluiM contested by Chilean and Brazil- into English and French, facilities Many others, Mr. Brewer related, or page, uses constructive art
ian delegates, led by Senor Alfredo in this field were negligible. Silva (publisher of La Union, one- Both the Indian and Yu
this field were negligible. expressed views in accordance with employs a Negro on space rate fof
Both the Indian and Yugoslav usual party tactics. sports and other Negro events.
EDITOR & PUB LIS H ER for December 13, 1952