Evening star., 1952-09-11


the country.
Mr.. Truman told his news con-
ference that he agreed with Gov
Stevenson and said that the rea-
son for the G. o. P. leaning of the
press is because daily newspapers
have become big business. and big
business traditionally has been
Republican.
Says Fairness Is Increasing.
However, Mr.. Truman said fair
ness has been increasing since
the Stevenson speech.
For this reason, Mr.. Truman
said he would suggest that the
people take news reports with. g
dash of salt"
Mr.. Truman did not identify
any of the offenders. He said
newsmen know who they are.
To support his contention that
nearly all newspapers and big
circulation magazines are on the
Republican side, the President re-
called that in 1948 only 1913 per
cent Of 1859 dailies supported
him.
Questioning brought out that
Mr.. Truman was referring to edi-
torial policy in this figure, rather
than news coverage. After he
read his statement, Mr.. Truman
said he didn't give a hoot about
editorial policy. but wanted to see
unbiased news coverage.
Text of Truman Statement.
The text of Mr.. Truman's state.
ment follows:
"You know, at the Chicago con-
vention, I said the Republicans
have nearly all the newspapers
and magazines on their side.
"Gov. Stevenson. the other day
in Oregon, had something to say
on this situation. l agree with
what he said, and would like tc
add just what I mean by Repub-
lican control Of the press.
I'm 1948. only 1913 per cent oi
the 1859 daily papers in this
country supported the Democratic
candidate, and almost all the big
circulation magazines were pro-
Republican. I don't think the sit
uation has changed much since
then
In Michigan, in 194S. for in
stance. not one of the SO daily
papers supported the Democratic
ticket.
I'm New York, only 4 per CEN
Of the papers were for the Demo.
Gratis. In Pennsylvania, is pei
cent. In Illinois. 3.4 per cent. II
Ohio. 4 per cent. In California
4.8 per cent.
"The one-party press situation
is Of course particularly tough TO.
Democratic congressional candi
dates, who get even less oppor.
tunity to state their case in theil
local Republican papers than doe
the Democratic Presidential can
didate.
"Now, I do not expect that list,
ing these figures will result in an.
switches from the Republican tt
the Democratic Party. Newspaper
especially daily newspapers
have become big business, and BIZ
business traditionally has alway
been Republican.
II suggest that Americans bea
this in mind, and add a dash O
salt to every Republican helping
of news. especially in those man.
papers and magazines which dt
not give a fair balance of new
between the two major parties.
If democracy is to work prop
erly. the people must be able t,
read and hear not only the Re
publican story but the Democrat,
as well. Our newspapers, maga'
zines, radio and TV have a grea
responsibility to be fair in thi
and all other campaigns.
81 want to add a comment tt
that, that I don't think it make:
much difference what they do
I have had some experience with
the situation for over 80 years
and as far as I can remember,
never had the support of the
metropolitan press in Missouri
when I was running for tht
Senate, and I never needed it.
I'm 1948 I read you the figures
and I think it is a rather pitifu
situaton-the small amount o.
political influence that the great
free press Of the United State.
has.
"It is q good thing for the coun.
try, and I am not worried about
the situation, but I am calling
these things mailing this thing
down-for the simple reason thai
I am very anxious to see in the
news columns a fair approach tt
this thing.
II will say this that fairness
has been increasing since Gov
Steyenson'S speech.