In the run-up to tomorrow’s election, President Trump has made several attacks on news media and journalism, calling us an enemy of the people and purveyors of falsehoods.
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists condemns these statements on journalism as both inaccurate and harmful. Since 1977, the NSNC has been comprised of writers who are liberal, conservative, and from all walks of experience. We espouse opinion writing, columns, and blogs that are ethical, fact-based, and courageous.
When this country was conceived, our founding fathers believed a free press – one that would be allowed to criticize government and public leaders without recrimination – was essential to liberty.
The President is trying to convince voters that such a freedom is what is destroying us. A journalist’s job is to report and relay facts to the reading/listening/watching public so that it is informed – and to correct any errors we may make. Journalists trust people to evaluate the facts and commentary we present and form their own opinions. There is no wrong decision if it is fully informed.
Presenting journalists as dangers does grave disservice to our country’s history and commitment to liberty as the protector of our lives. Thomas Jefferson once said: “Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.” We agree.
We urge the President to reconsider his statements about modern journalism and urge citizens to vote for candidates who will support the open expression of opinion and protect a free press.
Nothing that is so vital to democracy can also be its enemy.
Signed,
Board of Directors, National Society of Newspaper Columnists
