Be distrustful of unchecked power. Experience has shown the destructive influence of unchecked power. Journalists in free societies perform the priceless service of helping to limit and disperse power. Power takes many forms, however. It is also exercised by journalists, who need to be as distrustful of unchecked power in themselves as they are in others.
Creative thought needs to be given to internal checks on media power.
By checking and limiting their power, journalists affirm a sense of responsibility to the larger society, and give substance to the civic virtues they expect in others. Newspapers or other media that become dominant voices in a community will enhance the life of that community by allowing a diversity of experiences and opinions to be heard. Most newspapers print a limited selection of letters to the editor. The Harvard Crimson does the same when members of the editorial board disagree. College journalists, skilled in the use of electronic media, should be able to devise even better ways to promote richer and wider dialogue on campus.