Herbert B. Swope Quote

“The first duty of a newspaper is to be accurate. If it is accurate, it follows that it is fair.”

~ Herbert B. Swope

Letter, New York Herald Tribune, 16 March 1958

Ratings and Comments


Dick, Fort Worth

Nonsense. A paper can be accurate in everything it prints, but be slanted acutely by what it omits.

Lia, Atlanta

I think Mr. Swope would include dishonest omissions in calling a paper accurate or inaccurate.

Mike, Norwalk

It has to be stranger than fiction when I agree with Dick. 20 babies were born in the hospital today. That may be accurate but is it fair (as compared to what ?). The Dems are as accurate as the Reps in determining each others faults or foopahs. Do either relate to how both are malefactor demigods racing to destroy freedom ? (is that fair ?) Half-truths are generally accurate enough. (is that fair ?)

jim k, Austin, Tx

If there is some news that is negative about Obama or one of his henchmen, they just leave it out or put it on the back page. If it's a conservative, it makes the headlines.

Carol, Georgia

Papers of today are no longer accurately reporting real news. They tend to be propaganda rags parroting the agenda du jour, which is not only decidedly liberal, but is anti-conservative.

J Carlton, Calgary

Carol...you're right, it's quite obviously Anti-American. The major news outlets are all owned by pro-Globalist corporations and are working to stupefy Americans and destroy the nation.

E Archer, NYC

I will accept that a first rule for a newspaper is to be accurate. It isn't the only rule, however. All printed matter is but the voice of a single individual -- granted, that individual may be under the control or influence of another individual or group of individuals. The best we can ever expect is one person's view point, and everything is up for scrutiny forever. 'Thou shall not bear false witness.' ;-)

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