The Mena weekly star., 1917-03-29
THREE KINDS OF NEWSPAPERS

There are three separate ana distinct ways of running newspa- pers, as most everyone knows. Some live on sensations and scandals, others on selling their influence to whoever will pay the most, and others by rendering genuine four square service to their readers and the public.
 One of the best things printed on this particular subject in recent days is an article in The Publishers Auxiliary, from the pen of Guy U. Harry, publisher of the Daily Re- cord of Canon City, Colo. It is not only a stimulant to editors with q clean-cut idea of right, justice and service but it holds up a strong pie ture for the other kind. And, more than that, it carries some illumin- ating thoughts that the public may we'll study and heed.
 Mir. Hardy says there are three distinct courses open to newspapers. and treats them as follows.
 First-To publish everything that is rumored. Play up the scandals and enlarge upon alleged crimes.
 Second-To handle the news in the interest of the newspapers own friends News can be tempered with, and important items may be suppressed. This policy is domin- ated by fear or hope of favor
 Third--To minimize the private scandals and overlook the spicy rumors but to publish the news news that is news without fear or hope of favor regardless of whom it refers to. This is the policy adopted by every conservative, reliable and reputable newspaper in the country.
 Reporters hear many things. Much because of it's semiprivate character is overlooked. Shady rumors, little scandal, troubles that are talked about but do not come to public notice thru court proceedings or open violence are pretty generally passed by.
 But when matters get into the courts. when suits are brought and arrests are made, when charges of crimes or misdemeanors are filed for trial then no reputable newspaper feels that such news can possibly be suppressed. However much the editor of such a newspaper might like to shield friend at times by hiding the facts, he is honor bound to a definite policy and professional ethics not to do so. He would as willingly tamper with the market reports in the interest of somebody's profits, or alter the election returns, as to suppress or alter news that is made public thru the officers of the law or by the actions of the courts.
 One might just as properly expect the district judge to be biased in favor of friend at the bar as to expect reputable newspaper on ac- count of favor or friendship, to tam- per with the news or hide facts made known thru the courts.
 To adhere strictly to high prin- eiple is no more pleasant for news paper man. sometimes, than it is for the district judge, for cases where favors are expected by ones friends come up occasionally in every news paper office.
 If altering the news would change the facts; if suppressing the news story would wipe cut the unpleasant incident or the charge of crime, and save sorrow and regulations, how cheerfully and how often 1t would be done Any human editor would sacrifice a mage, an time. if bv so do- ing he could restore regulations and relieve heartaches. But it won't do it. II isn't the news story that causes the hurt and heartaches. Il is the unhappy thing the news story is about. Without newspaper pub licitv that thing is there any way. causing all it's anguish And the thing is talked about and en- larged upon and magniied as the imagination of the common gossips run riot. It is often the unpublished thing that assumes huge proportions and unbelievable shapes in the evil minds of the gossiping public.
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