Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-05-20

We are apt to speak lightly about
our country, state and national news
paper. But kind reader did you ever
stop to think what it would mean if
the newspaper plants of the country
should suddenly cease to exist? There
is another thought, probably far more
important. Do you know what it
would mean If the great congregation
of editors should use its power for
evil instead of for good OF the COM
munity.and for the enetit OF mankind?
once knew country editor who
was obeyed when he said "This bridge
must be repaired. That threatical
show must not be given here. The
gamblers who meet in such and such
place must be driven out of town,
or this man must be elected or the
other defeated" This man ruled a
community and ruled it for its good.
One Of the most striking things
about the business of making a news
paper is the steady growth of the
volume Of news. Year by year there
is a marked increase in the daily
number of stories of interesting
happenings which insist upon getting
themselves published. The art OF
selecting continually advances as the
freshet Of current news rises and
wIdens before the eye of the man upon
whose judgment depends the ar
rangement of the newspapers
contents.
the reading public as to how news
paper gets enough news to till up is
always regarded as huge joke by
those who have experienced the bitter
ness of rejected manuscripts. The
volume of news grows larger all the
time because more things happen that
merit the attention of intelligent
readers.
Thus it is that intelligent selection
and skilfui condensation now plays a
larger part in the creation of daily
newspapers than at any previous time.
But where does the news come from
that fills our state and national
papers? 1t must be secured whether
it originates in Canton. Ohio, or
Canton, China. The newspaper must
have it, if it is important. Many
newspapers depends almost entirely
upon their Associated Press for all
news except that which developes in
the local field.
1t is interesting to step into a news
paper office just before the paper goes
to press. The Milwaukee Journal is a
model in many respects. In the midst
OF the steady and continuous down.
p uring of news sits the Managing
editor, Mr.. Campbell, endeavoring
TO develope more news. He wants the
most interesting stories that can be
secured at any cost of money and
labor and he wants them in the
greatest possible abundance and
variety. He wants exclusive news In
such profuSion that his newspaper
shall win distinction above all its
rivals. He wants better reports Of
everything than MS competitors get
of anything.
A newspaper like man has
character. 1t reflects its manager In
the way it handles it's news It ought
to be held as scrupulously to account
by its readers for what it says as their
business associates or other acquain-
tances. A newspaper Is published
either as money making enterprise
or to serve some interest or other
which its owner holds to be important.
Those published for former purpose
are the more likely to be truthful and
unprejudiced for prosperity comes
through winning and retaining the
respect aud confidence of the public,
Character is the one essential to
running a successful newspaper,
whether the success is financial or
political. A newspapers foes are it's
assets and it's frien its liabilities