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It's in all our interests to support an “unfettered press” Twice each year, journalists from around the country gather for what has become a professional plenary indulgence. In workshops and at seminars, the presentation of the news over the previous six months, with all of its pimples, flaws and shortcomings, is analyzed. There is some heavy self criticism from members of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the country's largest organization representing journalists and promoting the public's right to access and First Amendment issues, as they review each others work. These events also offer an opportunity to highlight some media successes, to learn from those successes and to explore new ideas and new initiatives that can serve our readers and listeners. The organization's code of ethics is also under constant review to ensure that journalists understand and embrace the responsibilities of an "unfettered press." Most readers don't know about these meetings, and rarely do journalists discuss them with their readers. A new SPJ initiative this year, however, is important to share with readers. Polls show a dramatic decline in the public's confidence in journalists and the press. The public dislikes the way in which journalists conduct themselves, the stories they cover and the way in which those stories are aired or printed. The lack of public support is also the result of a lack of civic education, and a lack of understanding about the press, the First Amendment and free speech. This growing failure, for whatever reason, is a threat to a democracy that depends upon a free press and a fair, balanced and open exchange of ideas. Therefore, it has become SPJ's challenge- and ours as a member of that organization as well- to help office for students and to offer internships. We also hope to hear from you. At least from our small corner of the country, we want to take a stand in support of newspapers- and the readers they serve.
- The publishers
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