Donna Young's Blog: The Journalist's Creed

The Journalist's Creed

Donna Young @ 3 January 2008
Filed in Categories: Language Arts

http://donnayoung.org

I first came across The Journalist's Creed January 28, 2005. It left an impression on me. The Journalist's Creed was written by Walter Williams (July 2, 1864 - July 29, 1935), the founder of the Missouri School of Journalism and a former president of the University of Missouri.

The Journalist's Creed

by Walter Williams

I believe in the profession of journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of lesser service than the public service is a betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking, clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true. I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocket book is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best-and best deserves success-fears God and honors man; is stoutly independent; unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power; constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of the privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as law, an honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

Language Arts,

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Michelle · Jul 6, 09:45 AM · #

That is impressive. Well said.
Donna Young · Jul 6, 10:37 PM · #

It truly is. :)
Sheri · Jul 8, 01:43 AM · #

"...fears God and honors man..."

Nice and quite a timely read for me.
Elaine · Jul 12, 03:21 PM · #

I like that. I respect that and all who will abide by it.

However, I do not notice that all journalists to take this very seriously. This is sad.
sumi · Jul 26, 12:00 AM · #

Thanks for sharing this, Donna. :)It hits the nail on the head.
Karen · Sep 10, 04:19 AM · #

As a journalist for the last 28 years, and now a freelance writer and a sahm homeschooling our teenager, I say "Amen" to the Journalist’s Creed, which should be applicable to today’s journalists.

Thank you for this website, Donna! What a blessing it is to so many of us.

Blessings to you!